Public takes debate on Halifax's new cannabis bylaws to social media
Is the city trying to make it illegal to smoke legal weed?
By Sandra C. Hannebohm
Smoking cigarettes and joints on the street, sidewalk or near a park will be punishable by $25 to $2,000 in fines. The municipal bylaws restrict outdoor weed growing as well as smoking, despite the coming federal law allowing adults to grow up to four plants.
HRM is hiring more bylaw officers to respond to complaints that may arise from the new restrictions. These officers won’t be actively patrolling streets, but will arrive if someone calls in a complaint.
Many on social media questioned the logic of banning a legal (as of October 14) substance from public spaces. A Facebook post by Metro Star Halifax on the story saw more than 100 comments about the new rules.
Is #weed legal or not? A simple question. What the @liberal_party has delivered is a parody of legal weed. #HRM #Halifax https://t.co/6oJhwP4zkk
— practice making a fist (@katieinhalifax) July 16, 2018
Canada: Weed is now legal!
— Nick Lee (@Nicklee_99) July 20, 2018
Halifax: pic.twitter.com/34dYxjaUAt
Others are happy the city is responding to the nuisance cannabis smoke can cause, especially to people with asthma or allergies.
Medical cannabis patients with licenses will be exempt from restrictions on growing, but can still face fines if they smoke outside.I'm some glad weed is going to be legal so that anything to do with it becomes illegal. I'm super excited about the collateral damage.
— Evan (@ZnVja3R3aXR0ZXI) July 18, 2018
A month's wages (on average for Halifax) for smoking in public? Fuck I'll toss some cash into that charter challenge.
Myrna Gillis, CEO of medical marijuana producer Aqualitas, told Star Metro Halifax that the new bylaws continue stigma against cannabis, and fail to consider medical consumers. But some people say they aren’t concerned about the new rules.
The above comment triggered reactions from supporters of city council's efforts.
To which the the original commenter replied, “no one will tell me where I can medicate.”
Some aren’t fazed by the change because they don’t expect the rules to be properly enforced, but others are worried the bylaws on public use will interfere with the right to grow and smoke on private property, especially concerning renters.
Online reactions to the change fell somewhere between casual disinterest and passionate outrage on both sides, but one Twitter user posted a question that asks what cannabis supporters have been wondering since legalization was first announced: Will it really be legal?
Is #weed legal or not? A simple question. What the @liberal_party has delivered is a parody of legal weed. #HRM #Halifax https://t.co/6oJhwP4zkk
— practice making a fist (@katieinhalifax) July 16, 2018
Related Stories
-
Cigarette smoking still restricted on Halifax property
Councillors say whatever they come up with to deal with cannabis legalization, it will probably be the wrong choice.
- Sep 13, 2018
-
The 411 on 420 in Halifax.
Ready to blaze up for legalization next month? Here's what you need to know about cannabis and the city.
- Aug 30, 2018
-
Cannabis patient worried about finding a place to rent in Halifax
A chronically ill cannabis smoker is worried she won't be able to find an apartment because rental companies are cracking down on her medicine.
- Aug 9, 2018
Speaking of...
Comments (2)
Showing 1-2 of 2
More by Sandra C. Hannebohm
Opinionated
OPINIONATED »
White noise
posted by REBECCA THOMAS, Aug 30/18
Letting your guard down to party loud and proud in the streets is a privilege students of colour don’t often have. comments 2
Reality Bites
REALITY BITES »
25 for 25: episode 2007
posted by JACOB BOON, Sep 17/18
Inside the Square with councillor Lindell Smith and Halifax's slow road to better biking with Kelsey Lane. comments 0
REALITY BITES »
Petition to rename Cornwallis Street delivered to city hall
posted by JACOB BOON, Sep 14/18
Over 1,700 online signatures and 60 area residents want the controversial north end street's name changed to Rocky Jones Boulevard. comments 3
REALITY BITES »
Delay in addressing workplace racism a “slap in the face,” says councillor
posted by JACOB BOON, Sep 13/18
“I just think, as a municipality, it looks more reactive than proactive.” comments 0
REALITY BITES »
Planner's exit could impact Centre Plan
posted by JACOB BOON, Sep 12/18
Mayor is sad to see Jacob Ritchie leave city hall, but what his departure means for HRM's new planning bible remains to be seen. comments 0
REALITY BITES »
25 for 25: episode 2006
posted by JACOB BOON, Sep 10/18
Reuniting the (almost) original cast of Street Cents, AKA Jonathan Torrens, Jamie Bradley, Benita Ha and Brian Heighton. comments 0
REALITY BITES »
Oh word, Rick Mehta was fired
posted by JACOB BOON, Sep 7/18
Acadia University terminates professor after investigation into racist, sexist comments made both in and out of the classroom. comments 1
REALITY BITES »
City hall lawyers say smoking ban needs to include tobacco
posted by JACOB BOON, Sep 7/18
Halifax staff reason it'll be nearly impossible to prosecute cannabis smokers if we can't also prosecute cigarette smokers. comments 1
REALITY BITES »
Matt Whitman and Faith Goldy
posted by JACOB BOON, Sep 7/18
Halifax councillor appears to be a fan of the outspoken white nationalist running for mayor in Toronto. comments 1
REALITY BITES »
Justice minister finally responds to Burnside prison protest
posted by JACOB BOON, Sep 6/18
Mark Furey claims Nova Scotia respects its prisoners and protects their human rights, while sidestepping actual demands from protesting inmates. comments 1
REALITY BITES »
Seeking second-generation Nova Scotians who’ve made a difference
posted by JACOB BOON, Sep 5/18
ISANS is looking for nominees to profile in a new book on the long-term benefits of immigration. comments 0
Shoptalk
SHOPTALK »
Neptune Theatre's giving major props
posted by ALLISON SAUNDERS, Sep 13/18
Attention yard salers: This Saturday morning the props and costume department is cleaning house comments 0
SHOPTALK »
West Street's sole searchers
posted by BRANDON YOUNG, Sep 6/18
Two local foot soldiers are working to bring Halifax a sneaker destination via East Coast Kicks and Classic Soles. comments 0
SHOPTALK »
Cheeky Cod Gallery connects people with the artists
posted by ALLISON SAUNDERS, Aug 30/18
Queen Street's vintage row gets a pop of local art comments 2
SHOPTALK »
Remembering Hal Forbes
posted by JANE KANSAS, Aug 30/18
The man behind Forbes Restoration, and facelifts of many Halifax heritage homes, passed away August 24. comments 0
SHOPTALK »
Moksha Yoga is working on its fitness
posted by ALLISON SAUNDERS, Aug 29/18
The downtown studio adds HIIT, barre, pilates to the mix comments 0
Guides
- Home |
- Dating |
- Bitch |
- News |
- Music |
- Movies |
- Dining |
- Arts |
- Opinion |
- Best Of |
- FAQ |
- Halifax Free Classifieds |
-
Style Guide | - Housing |
- Jobs |
- For Sale |
- Classes |
- Bulletin Board |
- Health, Beauty |
- Services |
- Real Estate |
- Wanted
- About Us |
- Our Staff |
- Contact Us |
- Advertise |
- Work With Us |
- Send us a Tip |
- Privacy Policy |
- Comments Policy |
-
RSS Feeds
|
- Archives
