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. [continues 554 words]
Medical marijuana/medical cannabis has shown both anecdotal and clinical evidence that it can be used to manage and or alleviate symptoms of many illnesses, such as neuropathic pain, arthritis pain, multiple sclerosis, HIV, bone or inflammatory cancer pain, fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, colitis, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, insomnia and headaches. There are others. There should be no problem with this as long as its use is managed by your doctor or pharmacist. Now, recreational marijuana could certainly create problems, especially when people are permitted to smoke it. The smoke will bother other human beings, especially the elderly and people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or any respiratory disease, and heart disease patients. Recreational purposes are just a means for people to have a high. There will be more crime and loss of life if this is legalized. It should not be OK for the government to OK this problem, and not in workplaces either. Lydia Parsons St. John's [end]
If there was ever a time that people needed to talk to their kids about drugs it would be now. The importance of education and communication were the key topics brought up during an information session on the drug fentanyl held at The Merge on Feb. 9. Staff Sgt. Dale Foote, of the Burin Peninsula detachment of the RCMP, was one of the invited speakers for the evening. "Everyone thinks that the overdose at the hospital is going to be the individual that is addicted to drugs, that's not (always) that case," said Foote during his presentation. [continues 796 words]
Earlier this week, the federal government indicated it would be stepping up security on the VIA rail system, in the wake of bomb plot earlier this year. Now, anyone who wants to travel on VIA Rail, will be subject to security checks equivalent to the standard at any major airport in Canada. Since we're on the subject of national security, it's time for the Canadian government to also review other transportation systems where security is lacking, or non-existent; such as the Marine Atlantic ferries. [continues 651 words]
Barry Cooper's new DVD, Never Get Busted Again, which went on sale over the internet late last month, will probably not sell very well outside the United States, because in most other countries the possession of marijuana for personal use is treated as a misdemeanour or simply ignored by the police. But it will sell very well in the US, where many thousands of casual marijuana users are hit with savage jail terms every year in a nationwide game of Russian roulette in which most people indulge their habit unharmed while a few unfortunates have their lives ruined. [continues 835 words]
The election is on and each political party is claiming to be different from the others. However, there are some laws that all three political parties agree on in principle. It appears that three new laws are bound to be passed after the election, regardless of which political party forms the government. If you are a driver of a car and you take prescription drugs that affect your senses, or if you smoke pot, or if you're tempted to catch a cod illegally, read on. [continues 555 words]
Welcome to the real world, kid. Although, by legal standards, she's not really a kid. At 18, she's a young adult. More to the point, she is the particular young adult who landed herself in a whole pile of hot water last week when she passed a joint of marijuana to another one of her school friends. She was arrested, and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance. Then the calls to the province's Open Line shows began, and the debate went off onto the tangent of whether or not marijuana should be legalized. [continues 610 words]
Two-time Olympic medallist Beckie Scott stands alone on the stage. Behind her are three large Canadian flags. This is not the scene of a press conference or medal presentation. This was a champion bringing a simple yet important message to over 500 students at Clarenville High. Scott capped off a full day of activities at the school designed to educate students about the dangers of drugs. The theme of the day- long event was making choices. Throughout her career as a cross-country skier Scott has been outspoken about the issue of performance enhancing drugs in sport. [continues 454 words]
Clarenville High is a school that has never shied away from tackling controversial issues head on. Whether it's a hazing ritual or alcohol and drug use among teens the school has made a habit of addressing the issues even when, in some cases, it does not fall under the school's responsibility. That tradition continued April 28 with the school's second annual day to tackle addictions. "Last year we focused on alcohol so this year we decided to focus on some of the other types of drugs," explains Tammy Greening of Health and Community Services who helped plan the day-long event with Greg Mitchell of the RCMP and Clarenville High teacher Ben Osmond. "We are not saying alcohol is any less important we just felt we should focus on some of the other things as well. [continues 1080 words]
The election is on and each political party is claiming to be different from the others. However, there are some laws that all three political parties agree on in principle. It appears that three new laws are bound to be passed after the election, regardless of which political party forms the government. If you are a driver of a car and you take prescription drugs that affect your senses, or if you smoke pot, or if you're tempted to catch a cod illegally, read on. [continues 560 words]
The name is Jane, Mary Jane. And I had this friend named Kenny. You see, I can be your best friend just like I was his. You will learn to love me like he did and you will find it necessary to have me around. You will learn to hold me safely, right between your fingers and, at the tip of your tongue, I will remain. He was addicted to me and always had to have me around. He kept me wrapped in white paper and tinfoil, and stored in his pocket. I was safe until he flicked the switch and up into flames I burst with a little puff. [continues 703 words]
