Today shall live in infamy.
Cannabis, in its many forms, has been legalized for distribution and sale across the Dominion of Canada.
I have advocated against this exact scenario for several years, citing the many dangers that even recreational use poses, as well as explaining away the exaggerated new revenues and medical miracles the drug will supposedly bring us. To quote Walter Sobchak, "has the whole world gone crazy?!"
It must be stated unequivocally that this product is neither a safe nor neutral addition to the private citizen's or vast public's consumption. Disputing this point separates the ideologues from those willing to use their brains - the substance is addictive, often smoked without a filter, and the clinical studies that point to "incredible potential" are not rigorous.
We don't know the drug's benefits conclusively, but the harm it causes has become quite clear over the decades.
It is an observable phenomenon that one predisposed to schizophrenia may be triggered by marijuana use even with no prior symptoms. Unlike other regulated substances that can lead to serious medical issues, there is no cure.
Alcoholics and smokers can quit their vice or receive treatments that can stop a corollary disease; but mental illness can only be managed, plagued by unpredictable factors over time, from the cost of medicines to the severity of the symptoms.
Regarding the untold wealth that is to flow from this new system, which has always been the strongest argument from advocates to skeptics, I doubt very much my taxes will be any less this time next year. I also predict that fundraising for healthcare facilities and medical research will continue at the same feverish rate, begging the question "where is all that sin tax money going?"
Perhaps we'll hire some more public servants with said cash to see where it went.
As for the law enforcement question, this was likely the weakest argument. If you don't want to go to jail for something illegal, either don't do it or don't get caught doing it.
With respect to marijuana, the de facto rules seemed to be: don't sell to kids, consume it privately, and, if you are any kind of dealer, it be best to not draw attention to yourself or participate in even gloomier activities. It is hard to know the savings from these conventions, but I'm certain it's significant.
Now money will be spent enforcing a new law universally rather than suspending the old one situationally.
More cops, increased roadchecks, and new rent-seeking firms offering THC testing devices. I predict rising policing budgets after cannabis legalization.
And let's not forget, waking and baking is a widespread practice, as is driving while high, thanks to popular culture's downplay of the dangers: how much can we afford to spend enforcing a zero tolerance policy?
B.C.'s driving while intoxicated laws are incredibly harsh, unconstitutionally disguised as a Motor Vehicle Act regulation.
Socially, it's unforgivable to contest them regarding alcohol, but the first time a rookie constable screws up using a hypodermic needle on a citizen to draw blood, cue The Final Countdown by Europe, because a landmark Supreme Court case is imminent.
Lastly, we ought to consider that dozens of community groups, particularly First Nations, are opposed to legalization. Furthermore, some cities are refusing to grant licenses; others have let stores open, yet banned the consumption of marijuana anywhere but at home. These many reactions range from truly noble to outright cynical, but it certainly disproves the claim that there is any consensus regarding this major policy change that affects a country of 35 million people.
In The Big Lebowski, The Dude becomes outraged when he realizes he's been conned by the powerful to do their dirty work for them. The same has happened here - under the guise of fighting crime and empowering users, the squares have found a new way to pay themselves.
