Cannabis Q&A: Abe Verghis
Abe wrote a nice letter back to us while answering all the questions...
"Dear Acton UP team:
Thank you for posing those questions and I encourage you to ask more questions from those seeking to be on Council so as to be clear on their stance on the various issues.
Let me start off by saying that I have an extensive background in the legalization framework as I was called upon to be part of the task force within the Ontario & federal Liberal government roll-out. My area of specialization is drug detection and currently that is under the spotlight in the various media outlets within Canada.
My stance is pro-legalization and I have maintained that stance for over 3 years ever since the Feds first started their journey towards legalization. Allow me to state the answers to your questions:
1) Have I ever used Cannabis and if so, what do I think of it?
I have never used Cannabis although that won't prevent me from trying it once it has become legalized. The caveat is to be extremely careful and mindful of the decisions that you make once one becomes impaired from its effects.
2) What is my current stance on Cannabis
Cannabis is the most widely used drug in the world and it is bound to make its way to your neighbourhood or even your household. While it is widely considered a drug, there has been no deaths reported due to an overdose. Its psychoactive effects are meant to alleviate stresses and does not have any detrimental effects when used mildly. Sales of Cannabis should occur in Georgetown as it can be important source of revenue for the Town. However sales should only be restricted to those 25 years old and older as Cannabis consumption severely restricts brain development.
3) Would I wait to opt in our out right after legalization?
Legalization is a double edge sword as I have been to several US states where legalization is current and the number of homeless people on this drug is far too many. My response would be wait for a defined period of time right after legalization to see the roll-out process in bigger cities. Remember, Cannabis will still be available to our youth whether is it is purchased through legal channels or not.
4) My thoughts on Cannabis compared to Alcohol
Both Cannabis and Alcohol can be addictive when consumed regularly. While Cannabis does not do any damage to the liver or other vital organs of the human body, it does impact the development of adolescent brains. Both alcohol and Cannabis (9-THC) are impairing compounds. Alcohol is water soluble which causes it to be retained in water soluble organs such as the liver and brain (rear lobe) for certain periods of time. Cannabis consists of a number of compounds such as delta 9 THC, delta 11 THC, both of which are impairing compounds, CBD and CBN, both of which are non-impairing and a host of other subsets of compounds. What is important of 9-THC and 11-THC is that they are fat soluble and attach themselves to the front lobes of the human brain causing certain and distinctive psychoactive impairment for upto 6 hours post consumption.
I hope to have answered your questions to the best of my ability
Please don't hesitate to ask any further questions. Kind regards, Abe Verghis Candidate for Ward 4 Councillor - Halton Hills "
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