cannabisnews.com: Whiffs of Pot Smoke on Horizon





Whiffs of Pot Smoke on Horizon
Posted by CN Staff on May 27, 2003 at 10:18:58 PT
By Bill Power, Staff Reporter
Source: Halifax Herald 
One of Atlantic Canada's biggest retailers of marijuana-related merchandise expects many users will come out of the closet if possessing small amounts of weed is decriminalized. "I think a lot of people would be surprised at how many people smoke marijuana," said Colleen Banks, co-owner of Sweet Leaf Smoke Shop in Halifax.
Justice Minister Martin Cauchon is expected to introduce legislation today to ensure Canadians would no longer have a criminal record or face jail time for simple possession of marijuana. It would still be illegal to possess marijuana, even for personal use, but possession of 15 grams or less would be a minor offence punishable by a fine between $100 and $400, depending on the amount and whether it's a first offence.Ms. Banks said many people are talking about the possible change in the law but that it wouldn't likely encourage more people to smoke up. "Maybe if the law changes, the people who smoke it will not have to be so paranoid." However, she said any change in the law would unlikely have much impact on her Isleville Street business. For one thing, many regular customers are already legitimate users, she said. "We have people with illnesses like cancer and MS who come in looking for assistance. . . . They use marijuana to cope with the pain." Ms. Banks's store is much like many so-called head shops found in most urban centres. The shelves are lined with colourful pipes and bongs (water pipes) and other items popular with smokers, including rolling papers and incense. Ms. Banks said the shop sticks to the premise that materials sold are used for smoking tobacco. "There is no talk about marijuana or any other drug in the store." It also maintains a strict adults-only policy, she said. "We are very strict. Photo ID is required."Note: Paraphernalia retailers expect users to exit closet if changes to law occur.Source: Halifax Herald (CN NS)Author: Bill Power, Staff ReporterPublished: May 27, 2003Copyright: 2003 The Halifax Herald LimitedContact letters herald.ns.caWebsite: http://www.herald.ns.ca/Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmCanada Weighs Decriminalizing Possessionhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16403.shtmlPM Tables Relaxed Marijuana Lawhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16402.shtmlLiberals Move To Soften Drug Lawshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16401.shtml
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