The Canadian Press
Tamsyn Burgmann
VANCOUVER—Stoner subculture likely will take a hit with the incoming legalization of marijuana in Canada because as the cause vanishes, so will celebration of the drug, say experts.
The declaration comes as the federal government announced a spring, 2017 deadline for introducing new marijuana laws and while thousands of people gathered across Canada for the annual April 20 “Weed Day” protest, also known as “4-20.”
Protesting against cannabis prohibition has become a social movement with its own ideology and symbols, but that likely will change with the repeal of criminalization, said Benedikt Fischer, a senior scientist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
“Once marijuana becomes legalized, normalized, mainstream, the cause disappears,” said Fischer.
“I suspect these things will kind of fizzle away.”
Lynne Belle-Isle, co-founder of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, agreed that with legalization, the appeal of smoking up in rebellion could disappear.
She said society could benefit as messaging is developed around using the drug more safely.
“Like alcohol, if you see your parents having a glass of wine with dinner, it’s no big deal,” Belle-Isle noted.
“You learn responsible use if that’s what you’re exposed to.
“Social norms get created when you’re able to do it openly,” she added. “That doesn’t happen when people have to hide.”
One of Canada’s most prominent pot protests yesterday was at Vancouver’s Sunset Beach, with participants lighting up and eating marijuana edibles in a traditional act of mass civil disobedience.
And just like past years, a festive atmosphere rose from the crowd of revellers who mingled around a farmers’ market-style cluster of vendors, a stage, and rows of portable toilets.
Participants buzzed over free guidelines books, including a site map, messages about safe marijuana use, and political slogans.
Organizer Jodie Emery said $100,000 was raised to fund amenities and security for the all-day cannabis culture bash.
Last year, health officials said more than 60 people were treated in hospital for complaints of symptoms ranging from upset stomachs to acute anxiety and psychosis.
Three-quarters of them had consumed edible marijuana products.
Earlier in the day, federal Health minister Jane Philpott told a special United Nations’ session on drugs that the Liberal government is convinced marijuana legalization is the best way to protect youth and enhance public safety.
In an emotional address, Philpott told delegates that Canada must do better when it comes to drug policy.
She said Ottawa’s approach will be rooted in science.
Longtime marijuana activist David Malmo-Levine, 44, has attended Vancouver’s pot protest for nearly two decades and said he believes pot culture is essential to achieving legalization.
“If you make it look fun, more people will participate,” he reasoned.
“We’re going to dance down the streets and . . . puff on our magic flower,” Malmo-Levine added.
“Once everyone is free, it will turn into a formal celebration,” he noted.
“And until everyone is free, it’s still a protest.”
Ellis Worthington, 30, wearing a T-shirt on Sunset Beach reading “I toke and I vote,” said he believes legalization will see pot treated like alcohol.
“I think it will become a part of everyday life,” he remarked.
“You can go to an event, go to the beer garden, and get some bud.”
