Seven years ago, today, Cannabis became legal in Canada when the federal government's Cannabis Act came into effect.
In Manitoba, those aged 19 years and older can grow up to four cannabis plants in their home. Cannabis must be grown indoors in a room, container, or enclosure that's not accessible to people under 19. In public, a person can't have more than the equivalent of 30 games of dried cannabis.
Trevor Shewfelt is the co-host of Reefer MEDness - The Podcast.
"I think it was a very good decision for Canada," said Shewfelt. "As my co-host Kirk predicted, it was a bit of a nothing burger. People thought many people would be driving on highways and causing accidents, and that hasn't really happened. People were afraid of many people smoking cannabis at school because of legalization, and that hasn't really happened."
Recently, Trevor and Kirk interviewed researchers from the United States who have different rules from state to state. In some states, cannabis is legal, and in others, it's illegal.
"They even found no increase in consumption by young people when it became legalized," said Shewfelt. "The same sort of thing has happened in Canada. It's been good for the economy, and it hasn't really caused the social upheaval that people were afraid of."
While Shewfelt says Cannabis isn't likely a cure or treatment for any sickness, he says it's a good add-on for many people for many things. For instance, many people get nauseous when undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, and cannabis seems to be very good for that.
Cannabis has also been known to be a big help for certain types of pain.
For anyone interested in trying cannabis for the first time, Shewfelt says, despite the thoughts of some, it isn't a bad thing.
"Like everything else, do it with caution. Talk to your budtender, they can help you," ended Shewfelt. "If you've never tried it before, try it with friends in a safe space. Never drive after using it."
Studies have shown that cannabis use doubles your risk of being in a car accident. It remains in your body after you stop noticing its effects, and you can still be impaired hours after you no longer feel high.
