Windsor residents split on benefits of marijuana legalization

By Gouliang Fu

Cannabis will be legal in Canada in less than 24 hours.

Windsor residents have mixed opinions on whether that’s a positive development.

Jordan Troisi said Monday he has “no problem” with the pending change, but Miranda Hanna is worried people might overuse the drug, damaging their bodies and minds.

“I can see some harm coming with misusing anything,” she said. “I don’t know that it needs to be legal.”

Denis, who asked that his last name not be used because of potential issues at the U.S. border, supports legalization because marijuana had medicinal value.

“I do support the legalization, I think it is a medical product (that) helps a variety of disease,” he said. “I feel something (that) grows upon the ground is more natural than something created in the laboratory.”

Marijuana will be legal Wednesday. The federal government said it wants to protect young people and there will be laws in place about how, where and who can buy and possess cannabis.

Residents under 19 will not be able to possess marijuana. Also, marijuana will be prohibited in public places like schools, hospitals, and indoor common areas.

Government Statistics On Legalization:

• 86% of people said they support a minimum age of 19
• 74% believe there should be restrictions on where cannabis can be consumed
• 61% of respondents agreed that drug-impaired driving penalties should be stricter
• 69% believe that keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth is important