With the release of a 106-page federal task force report, the possibility of legalizing marijuana inches closer to reality Legalizing marijuana in Canada - once passed off as a pipe dream - appears to be gaining traction. And in the wake of a 106-page report drafted by a federal task force on legalized recreational marijuana, advocates aren't just blowing smoke. The study containing more than 80 recommendations gives shape to a Liberal promise to the legalize recreational pot consumption and sales, with safeguards in place to restrict youth access and choke off the illicit market that fuels criminal enterprises. [continues 1135 words]
Local pot advocate Randy Caine is helping promote a Sensible BC petition that would put in motion a vote for the decriminalization of marijuana in 2014. William Austin wore a penguin suit Saturday while standing on the sidewalk along Willowbrook Drive. The New Westminster resident made the short sojourn east to Langley to volunteer for Sensible BC, a group with the goal of decriminalizing marijuana possession in 2014. Through collecting signatures on a petition, volunteers are attempting to garner 10 per cent support in all 85 provincial ridings, which Sensible BC hopes will result in a provincial initiative vote. [continues 696 words]
A man who served for 12 years as a Maple Ridge councillor is canvassing in the area for Sensible BC, a group working to decriminalize pot in 2014. "Get a job," a senior muttered to former Maple Ridge councillor Craig Speirs Thursday afternoon. "Excuse me! Hey! It doesn't cost a damn thing to be polite!" Speirs yelled at the man, who strolled by on the sidewalk along 224th Street. "I had a job! I'm retired. What are you doing!? Get a cause!" [continues 484 words]
Marijuana advocates who use Holland as a poster child of the legalization of the drug probably haven't spent much time in Amsterdam's red light district at night. Dutch coffee shops sell marijuana and hashish cigarettes separately in small plastic tubes for roughly $5 Canadian apiece. Herbal ecstacy, magic mushrooms, hashish brownies, and "Space Cake" wrapped in thin plastic as well as drug paraphernalia were offered in small shops sandwiched between porn shops, bars, and coffee houses. Tourists and locals browsed in these stores so casually, you'd think they were buying a pair of sunglasses or postcards. During the afternoons, 20-something, wannabe-hippy, tourists sat on high barstools, smoking their drugs while chatting quietly, as their thick dreadlocks spilled over their eyes. [continues 369 words]
Wagner Hills Farm Society Wants To Stay Substance-Free. Wagner Hills Farm Society is struggling to stay substance-free. The Aldergrove healing and recovery centre is in danger of losing government funding unless it takes in clients on methadone. "We want to make it clear that Wagner Hills is not slamming people who are on methadone," Wagner Hills Executive Director Helmut Boehm said, "but we are saying that freedom from methadone addiction is available to all through a relationship with Jesus Christ." [continues 354 words]
The Langley RCMP is trying to make a positive mark on local students. Langley RCMP officers who work in local schools have a lot on their plate. There are two school liaison officers (SLOs) and two full time DARE instructors handling 11 high schools and 35 elementary schools in the district. The Langley RCMP will add another school liaison officer in April. "It's a huge undertaking," Langley RCMP SLO and DARE co-ordinator Cpl. Laurie Jalbert said. "We have to prioritize and deal with the highest demand." [continues 399 words]
A Former Surrey Resident Who Lived On The Dark Side Found The Light At A Langley Farm Community Dedicated To Helping Men With Addictions Scott Lavers remembers the very moment he hit rock bottom. About a year ago, the former Surrey resident was by himself, driving across the Port Mann Bridge on his way to pick up more drugs. He was considering veering his car off of the bridge. Call it divine intervention, but a phone call stopped him from possibly killing himself. [continues 617 words]
To my recollection, a stranger thing hasn't happened, but if the B.C. Marijuana Party wins the coming provincial election, I can imagine that they will have one wild victory celebration. I can see the invitation now. Come one, come all, to help celebrate the Marijuana Party's election victory! Time - Uh. . . the night of the election, I guess. . . or, uh. . . . whenever you can make it. Location - a "mushroom barn" in rural Langley. Just drop by around the back. While most election parties would serve cold vegetables and dip and roast beef, you could look forward to feasting on "organic" brownies and cookies, and specially made tea at the Marijuana Party bash. [continues 314 words]
I am going to steer clear of the pot debate, but I will say this: I did not once say that I was against the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes [Politicians gone to pot, April 6, Advance News]. And neither did our editor in his responses to some of the many letters. Making light of the possibility of a B.C. Marijuana Party's post-election celebration was just satire, and nothing more. Hey, I love Bob Marley. I have his greatest hits stuck in my CD player. [continues 356 words]
