Pubdate: Mon, 06 Jun 2016
Source: Metro (Ottawa, CN ON)
Page: 4
Copyright: 2016 Metro
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Ottawa
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4032
Author: Emma Jackson

POT-VOCATE FIGHTS ON AFTER LOSING CASE

Ottawa Man Argues For The Right To Smoke Up In Public

Local marijuana advocate Russell Barth has lost his human rights case
against Mayor Jim Watson, but his fight for medical marijuana rights
is far from over.

Barth complained to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal after Watson was
quoted last spring saying licensed medical marijuana users should "use
that product on your property in your own house" instead of in public
places.

Watson made the comments after a Vanier vapour lounge, Buzz On, opened
on Montreal Road.

The tribunal found Watson didn't say anything discriminatory toward
medical marijuana users, and didn't restrict Barth's right to access a
facility.

Despite the loss - which Barth said he expected - he's looking ahead
to a battle with the provincial government as it prepares to expand
its smoke-free laws.

The government announced in March it plans to ban smoking of any kind
- - including e-cigarettes and medical marijuana - where regular smoking
is already prohibited.

Ottawa's board of health had been looking at similar rules but put its
plans on hold to see what the province passes first.

Barth said he plans to fight any legislation that restricts a sick
person from medicating when they need to.

"The government's being too heavy handed with it," he
said.

His wife, for example, has severe epilepsy. If she has a seizure on a
bus platform, Barth said she should be allowed to medicate.

He likened it to the right of someone with a service dog to bring
their animal into public spaces, even though others may not like it.

"I would rather live in a society where his right to bring his dog on
the bus trumps my right to not be near the allergens I don't want to
be near," Barth said.

Instead of using enforcement to stop medical marijuana users from
inconveniencing others, Barth said the province should ramp up its
educational campaigns to promote common courtesy when vaping.

"That kind of stuff does more than enforcement and regulation," he
said.  
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