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The annual celebration of cannabis on Parliament Hill had extra resonance this year, coming just a week after the federal government introduced a bill to legalize recreational marijuana.
But for many in the sea of young people at the 4-20 rally, it was also the year’s best pot party. They sat in little groups, fiddling with water pipes and bongs, puffing on joints, and pulling bags of snacks from backpacks.
Organizers estimated the crowd as upward of 10,000; Hill security officers pegged it closer to 6,000.
It was dominated by people who appeared to be in their 20s and younger —- the very group the cannabis legislation takes aim at on several fronts.
Canada has one of the highest rates of youth pot-smoking in the world. The federal government has said it is adopting a “public health approach” to legalization that will educate people about the dangers of marijuana while ensuring the safety and quality of the pot bought by those of age to purchase it.
Regulations are expected to be in place by the end of June 2018. Many of the details will be handled by the provinces, such as where marijuana will be sold. The federal government will regulate growing and production, and has set a minimum age of purchase at 18.
“It’s a first step,” said Connor Boult, 21. Like most of those interviewed, he was hazy about the details of the legislation but delighted with the concept.
“We’ve been waiting so long,” said Boult, who’s been smoking weed for five years.
Speakers at the rally gave testimonials about the benefits of medical marijuana and criticized the federal government’s cautious approach to legalization, calling it “Prohibition 2.0.”
Shawn Mcalesse, who helped to organize the rally, said the event was “definitely special” because legalization is on the horizon.
Regulations are needed, but the law goes too far, he said in an interview. For instance, the maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for sharing with or selling marijuana to a minor is extreme, he said, adding what about an 18-year-old who shared a joint with a 17-year-old friend? “They could get 14 years in jail?”
Another speaker warned that big medical marijuana growers would gain a monopoly on growing licences, squeezing out the little guys.
The speakers on the steps of Parliament Hill could barely be heard halfway down the lawn, but no one seemed to mind.
“We’re just hanging out with our friends, and having a great time,” said Joseph Levesque, 22.
He and his buddies had their gear on a plastic tray, including a dab rig with a butane torch for smoking concentrates, a water pipe and a bong. A bag nearby was packed with mango-orange juice and munchies: dill pickle chips and a chocolate Easter bunny. His opinion on the new law? Levesque dissolved into giggles. “It’s something new, right?” he said vaguely. “And weed came out like, what, in the mid ’60s?”
His friend Rolo, 19, said the law doesn’t affect him. “I’ll smoke it anyways.”
Shade Felix, 22, who travelled from North Bay for the event, gazed around in wonder. “I just love it! There are just so many people, and we’re all getting high!”
Cheryl Reid, 46, sitting quietly on the side of the Centennial Flame, said it was her first 4-20 rally. “I just wanted to be part of this before they make it legal. I’m here to support this. It’s kind of history.”
Reid said she smoked pot off and on for years, but got a legal prescription for medical marijuana after she was diagnosed with cancer. The chemotherapy pills she takes “really kick my butt. (Marijuana) makes me feel better. I’m in a lot of pain.”
Several people said they feel a sense of community with fellow pot users.
“Even if you don’t know them, you feel a bond with people,” said Samantha, 18. “Stoners are nice. Honestly, we’re like a great big family.”
Seventeen-year-old Sam was sitting with two girlfriends smoking a bong and playing the card game Crazy Eights. “It’s pretty chill,” she said. She smokes weed about once a week, saying it’s easy to buy in high school. “It’s a good idea to give everyone their own choice. (Pot) is not that big a deal.”
Medical experts who warn about the effects of marijuana on the developing brains of those under age 25 would have conniptions over some of the stories of those in the crowd.
Morgan, 16, said her sister gave her weed when she was nine years old and feeling depressed. “Every since then, it’s my favourite thing to do.”
Arthur, 16, said he began smoking at 13. His parents didn’t like it, but have now accepted his pot use because he is doing well at school and works five days a week at a part-time job. “I don’t see a problem with it,” he said, packing dried bud into the little bowl of his giant bong and taking a hit.
“I’m a good kid. I still get my stuff done. But I smoke weed. If I don’t work after school, I’ll smoke recreationally. If I do work, I’ll smoke after I get home. It helps me sleep.”
And yes, he’s heard the health warnings. “I see what they’re saying. But I still do it anyways.”
jmiller@postmedia.com
twitter.com/JacquieAMiller
查看原文...
But for many in the sea of young people at the 4-20 rally, it was also the year’s best pot party. They sat in little groups, fiddling with water pipes and bongs, puffing on joints, and pulling bags of snacks from backpacks.
Organizers estimated the crowd as upward of 10,000; Hill security officers pegged it closer to 6,000.
It was dominated by people who appeared to be in their 20s and younger —- the very group the cannabis legislation takes aim at on several fronts.
Canada has one of the highest rates of youth pot-smoking in the world. The federal government has said it is adopting a “public health approach” to legalization that will educate people about the dangers of marijuana while ensuring the safety and quality of the pot bought by those of age to purchase it.
Regulations are expected to be in place by the end of June 2018. Many of the details will be handled by the provinces, such as where marijuana will be sold. The federal government will regulate growing and production, and has set a minimum age of purchase at 18.
“It’s a first step,” said Connor Boult, 21. Like most of those interviewed, he was hazy about the details of the legislation but delighted with the concept.
“We’ve been waiting so long,” said Boult, who’s been smoking weed for five years.
Speakers at the rally gave testimonials about the benefits of medical marijuana and criticized the federal government’s cautious approach to legalization, calling it “Prohibition 2.0.”
Shawn Mcalesse, who helped to organize the rally, said the event was “definitely special” because legalization is on the horizon.
Regulations are needed, but the law goes too far, he said in an interview. For instance, the maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for sharing with or selling marijuana to a minor is extreme, he said, adding what about an 18-year-old who shared a joint with a 17-year-old friend? “They could get 14 years in jail?”
Another speaker warned that big medical marijuana growers would gain a monopoly on growing licences, squeezing out the little guys.
The speakers on the steps of Parliament Hill could barely be heard halfway down the lawn, but no one seemed to mind.
“We’re just hanging out with our friends, and having a great time,” said Joseph Levesque, 22.
He and his buddies had their gear on a plastic tray, including a dab rig with a butane torch for smoking concentrates, a water pipe and a bong. A bag nearby was packed with mango-orange juice and munchies: dill pickle chips and a chocolate Easter bunny. His opinion on the new law? Levesque dissolved into giggles. “It’s something new, right?” he said vaguely. “And weed came out like, what, in the mid ’60s?”
His friend Rolo, 19, said the law doesn’t affect him. “I’ll smoke it anyways.”
Shade Felix, 22, who travelled from North Bay for the event, gazed around in wonder. “I just love it! There are just so many people, and we’re all getting high!”
Cheryl Reid, 46, sitting quietly on the side of the Centennial Flame, said it was her first 4-20 rally. “I just wanted to be part of this before they make it legal. I’m here to support this. It’s kind of history.”
Reid said she smoked pot off and on for years, but got a legal prescription for medical marijuana after she was diagnosed with cancer. The chemotherapy pills she takes “really kick my butt. (Marijuana) makes me feel better. I’m in a lot of pain.”
Several people said they feel a sense of community with fellow pot users.
“Even if you don’t know them, you feel a bond with people,” said Samantha, 18. “Stoners are nice. Honestly, we’re like a great big family.”
Seventeen-year-old Sam was sitting with two girlfriends smoking a bong and playing the card game Crazy Eights. “It’s pretty chill,” she said. She smokes weed about once a week, saying it’s easy to buy in high school. “It’s a good idea to give everyone their own choice. (Pot) is not that big a deal.”
Medical experts who warn about the effects of marijuana on the developing brains of those under age 25 would have conniptions over some of the stories of those in the crowd.
Morgan, 16, said her sister gave her weed when she was nine years old and feeling depressed. “Every since then, it’s my favourite thing to do.”
Arthur, 16, said he began smoking at 13. His parents didn’t like it, but have now accepted his pot use because he is doing well at school and works five days a week at a part-time job. “I don’t see a problem with it,” he said, packing dried bud into the little bowl of his giant bong and taking a hit.
“I’m a good kid. I still get my stuff done. But I smoke weed. If I don’t work after school, I’ll smoke recreationally. If I do work, I’ll smoke after I get home. It helps me sleep.”
And yes, he’s heard the health warnings. “I see what they’re saying. But I still do it anyways.”
jmiller@postmedia.com
twitter.com/JacquieAMiller
查看原文...
