Cannabis Q&A: Jamie Adams
1.Have you ever used Cannabis? And if so, what did you think of it?
My exposure to cannabis has been very limited to this point in my life. My use of the substance was in my late teens and at that time it was very easy for anyone to obtain. For me the reaction to it was very odd and I was a little uncomfortable with its effects. To this day I still find a nice glass of wine with my girlfriends more appealing personally.
2.What is your current stance on Cannabis?
I’m mindful that social activism has gotten us to this point in the legalization process. It’s important to keep in mind that the medical use of cannabis has been permitted and regulated in Canada since 2001. I’ve seen several health benefits first hand with a young friend undergoing cancer treatments and struggling with appetite and pain. To working with families that have children and adults with seizure disorders and autism we have seen great breakthroughs in clinical trials with the use of processed Cannabis. This is a terrific movement forward on the medicinal side of the Cannabis business. As for recreational use this is where the social and behavioural change in society will be intriguing. We will see a social influx of use initially and eventually it will take on the social stigma of cigarette use or the social norm of coming home and having a beer. Time will tell on this front. My concern continues to be how can we limit access to our teens that are still developing and deal with the increase of addiction related needs in our community. Acton Councillors must pull together the right social support agencies along with Halton Region early on to support the programs that will be needed here in Acton.
3.Would you vote for Halton Hills to opt in, or opt out, or wait to opt in of the new legislation?
For Council to opt-in prior to the full disclosure of requirements from the Province and without a public consultation period would be highly irresponsible. Most recent information provincially is we can opt-out and change our minds later or opt-in at the beginning, but legislation states we can’t reverse our decision. The AGCO will basically decide and tell us where they’re going to go and how many we’re getting with a buffer zone around Schools. Most municipalities will opt-in because this is a revenue opportunity for taxpayers and can have a positive impact on local job creation. Where the time needs to be spent is for the Town to develop the strategies, policies and bylaws to go with this change to better protect our residents. Keeping a few core fundamentals at the forefront as we begin the process will be key. Can we limit access for our Youth, and minimize community impact to store appearance and public desire to have it? If we can check all the boxes in these areas I would have a better comfort in deciding to opt-in. In the coming weeks we will expect another announcement from the Provincial Government and I hope we have a better framework to review. 4. What is your opinion on Cannabis vs. Alcohol? Do you find one substance to be better, more harmful, or equal?
I believe most things you put in the body to excess can be harmful, moderation is always key. However, we have great research on the risks associated with alcohol and smoking in general and the common theme is to avoid use to extend one’s life expectancy. In reality we don’t always make the best choices for ourselves. Without digging deeply into medical journals, we know its been said a glass of red wine is good for the heart and cannabis reduces anxiety. As Newton stated for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The same could be said for every benefit to these substances we could have an adverse reaction. At the end of the day if the benefits outweigh the risks, then that’s really what’s important to all of us anyways.
Comments