Pubdate: Sat, 23 Dec 2017
Source: Cape Breton Post (CN NS)
Copyright: 2017 Cape Breton Post
Contact:  http://www.capebretonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/777
Author: Russell Wangersky
Page: 12

STINKY LITTLE SECRET

Weed, both smoked and unsmoked, is more pungent than it once
was

There's a dirty little secret about legalized marijuana, one that
could become an issue in neighbourhoods across the country.

Well, maybe it would be better to describe it as a stinky little
secret, but one that's likely to become very familiar - and maybe too
familiar.

Weed, both smoked and unsmoked, is more pungent than it once was. It's
gone through decades of horticultural experimentation to strengthen
its kick. And there's likely to be a lot more of that pungent to go
around once smoking a joint isn't a criminal offence anymore.

I left work in the industrial park where my office is this week,
heading out into the evening dark on foot on a mostly windless day. I
hadn't gone any more than 60 feet when I caught the smell of weed on
the slight wind. Looking around, I spotted the source (not hard,
because of the shortage of passers-by). The gentleman enjoying his
joint was across the street and a full parking lot away from me - far
enough that I would have been unable to pick him

out of a crowd by his facial features, but close enough that I could
identify what he was smoking.

Five blocks later, turning onto a suburban sidestreet, I caught it
again: this time, two guys in the front seat of a tradesman's pickup,
complete with signage, the windows grey with captured smoke that
trickled out from where the window was cracked open just a finger's
width.

Now, I'm no bloodhound: clearly, there's plenty of weed around, being
smoked relatively openly already.

Right now, though, weed's illegal. Once possession isn't illegal under
the criminal code, it's hard to believe that people won't be even more
willing to have a summer toke on their decks or walking down the
street. Sure, they might be facing a ticket under provincial
legislation, but it won't be a criminal case.

Having visited Denver where weed sales are legal but public
consumption can get you the same kind of ticket as open liquor in
public - I can say that the smell of weed on the open air is almost as
common as the smell of bread next to a bakery; it happens, and what
you get depends on the wind direction. Colorado is still struggling
over just how to define what sorts of places are legal for smoking,
though outside on your deck is apparently private enough to be
allowed. Weed enthusiasts there basically suggest that you don't run
other people's noses in your smoke.

Think about this: a whole generation has been trained out of indoor
cigarette smoking, both in bars (where it was banned) and at home;
many of the remaining cigarette smokers don't want their homes
smelling of cigarette smoke. Some insurance companies offer breaks to
homeowners who don't allow inside smoking - I imagine weed smoking
would fall under that same umbrella.

It doesn't even have to be smoked.

Many people may opt for vaporizer or edibles to deliver their
marijuana kick, and that may tone down the fugitive smoke. But still
others will take advantage of the ability to grow marijuana plants,
meaning a whole different neighbourhood presence.

Growing weed - and even unsmoked bud, in any amount - can be pretty
skunky-smelling. Venting your tiny basement grow-op into the space
between your house and the neighbour's might not be welcomed next
door, even if everything's legal.

And if your neighbours are going through any great quantity on their
summer deck, it could well affect your enjoyment of your own property
- - unless you're joining in.

Heck, cities started banning outdoor fireplaces once the complaints
started rolling in.

Simply put, last year's crime may be next year's nuisance. And even
nuisances have to be dealt with.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt