Canada Legalization: October 17th

When you asked the seller to draw a dinosaur, this happens.

Canadian legalization of Cannabis takes effect on October 17th, 2018. Alberta has already has numerous store fronts in major cities and towns in this province. Here, they'll be selling Cannabis through the private system - although distribution will still be handled through the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Corporation.

Yes, cannabis will be legal in Alberta on October 17, 2018, but:

• only if you're 18+
• only from licensed stores or albertacannabis.org
• 30 grams is the most you can buy or carry at a time
• you can't smoke in some public places - know your local laws
• driving high is illegal
• it can't be within reach of anyone in a vehicle
• only 4 plants can be grown per household
• edibles are not yet legal to sell (eta: October 2019)
• kids can't enter cannabis stores, even with an adult

And I'm OK with that. Coincidentally, there's a Cannabis shop opening up less than 1/2 kilometer away from my apartment that is sandwiched between a Burger & Fries place and 7-11. Talk about perfect location.

The moral panic that the ultra-right politicians preach about has not happened. More people consume Cannabis than ever. I use it to keep my pain under control - and only in the evenings, and when I'm certain I'm not going to drive anywhere. Never drive and smoke. I don't even use to get high out of my mind. I only take enough to take the pain off.

Cannabis is a helpful medicine but it also must be used responsibly. One can get easily addicted to more and more amounts of this plant. Rage can creep up on you without even knowing it. Tolerance breaks are highly suggested in order to let your body come off the medication for a while.

For those unfamiliar with Cannabis, there are 2 primary strains:

Indica and Sativa. The Indica strains tend to make you sluggish, tired, and relax you - perfect for evening/ need to sleep.

Sativa has the opposite effects and tend to make you more energized and euphoric. You can mix the plants to have a combined effect, and can sometimes have an undesirable effect. Your hunger will go through the roof; gaining weight becomes a concern if you use alot of eat alot. Like any drug, use with moderation. When people rage against Cannabis, I remind them that I've never been attacked by high people before. I don't have enough fingers or toes to count how many angry drunks came after me.