Recreational use of cannabis is now legal in Canada. Today’s comments are selected from multiple stories by Globe journalists reporting on the beginning of this new period in Canadian history. The comments were selected because they represent a wide range of views on the legalization of cannabis.
Bruce Linton, left, Co-CEO of Canopy Growth, celebrates with Nikki Rose, centre, and Ian Power following the first legal transaction of recreational cannabis at theTweed retail store in downtown St. John's, N.L. on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.Darren Calabrese/The Globe and Mail
From: Globe editorial: With legal pot, Canada sets an example for other countries
We are setting a bad example. We do not have adequate detection methods to catch impaired drivers. Pot smoke stinks - it is not called skunk week for nothing. If consuming cannabis was restricted to ingestible and topical products, I would not be quite so concerned but I foresee horrible problems for apartment dwellers and others who are forced to share air with neighbours. The lawyers must be rubbing their hands with glee. - tarragonandwine
The Liberal government has demonstrated a quiet competence about decriminalizing the use of cannabis, little grandstanding, wise policy making. Whether one agrees with the use or not, criminalizing thousands of people for simple possession is dark age thinking. The multiple arguments about use are another matter unrelated to decriminalization. It would be wise if all politicians refrain from grandstanding, but I doubt that a wise decision will encourage more of the same. This takes me back to my youth when we kicked religion out of the liquor industry. Good work folks. - Scriptorious
The legalization of pot is a welcome step to reducing the hypocrisy inherent in our policies. Alcohol and tobacco are both more dangerous than marijuana, and have been not only legal but highly profitable for our governments for many decades. It is my hope that this is the first step toward an improved drug policy across the board. We have known that prohibition causes more harm than good for nearly 100 years, yet recently recommitted to the ludicrous War on Drugs which has cost tens of billions, killed tens of thousands, and resulted in a marked increase in the use of ever deadlier drugs like fentanyl.
Full legalization of substances like heroin, cocaine, and LSD will not turn us into a nation of addicts but rather save lives. Street crime will be reduced, as will the incidence of related disease like HIV and Hep C. The money saved on police, justice, and incarceration could fund better treatment programs. Drugs are a health problem, not a legal one, and must be treated as such. Let’s use the example of marijuana, too long in coming, to kick off more sensible drug policy across the board. We have an opportunity to save both lives and money. - WhistlingInTheDark
This country will come to regret this day for sure - the human brain has not fully developed until ~25 years of age - nobody is going to tell me that adolescents/those under 25 are not going to suffer neurological consequences from smoking pot - and you can be sure that there will be synthetic marijuana soon to be in circulation to undercut the government price which will to lead to horrendous consequences. Yes, great. Marijuana is now legal. - milfancan
Ten years from now all of North America and possibly most of Europe will be following Canada’s lead on this issue. The horse is out of the barn and it is not going back in. - Vegan2011
Long overdue. An unnecessary repression and prohibition consigned to history, and a likely positive influence outside of our borders. And, no, I'm not high - bobo von monkeyhowl
From: Marijuana is finally legal. What happens next is anyone’s guess, by Ian Brown
Together with the 50th anniversary of Woodstock Nation in August 2019, legalization of pot should be the start of the moral and spiritual revolution most boomers were working for in the 60′s and 70′s. That kinder, gentler world most of us want. Unfortunately, gross commercialization, massive regulation, and a mean-spirited right wing backlash will prevent the transformation most North Americans, left, right and centre, have been hoping for these last 50 years. - The Work Farce
It’s about time that this stupid prohibition came to an end. And this is coming from someone who doesn’t smoke pot. - MarkPRM
From: Green dawn: The first day of cannabis legalization in Canada, from coast to coast
Good for Canada! No more burdening people with criminal records. No more police time required to capture, “midnight tokers.” Tax revenue - good! As for myself, I’m not a user and won’t become one, but am still pleased that we’ve legalized it. Go Canada. - My2CentsEh
I figure those who already smoke it will continue to, and those that don’t, won’t. I mean, it was already easily accessible, legal or not. I just don’t see much changing, or minor changes if any. Time will tell. - DRG-rant
More effort has gone into this than producing clean drinking water for the reserves, and dealing with kids who go hungry to school everyday. Pathetic. - TorontoGooner
From the Comments is a new feature designed to highlight interesting and thoughtful contributions from our readers. Some comments have been edited for clarity. Everyone can read the comments but only subscribers will be able to contribute. Thank you to everyone furthering debate across our site.