April 20 (4/20) was often used as the rally point for legalising marijuana. Now Canada is one of 2 countries in the world that has legal marijuana.
Having legal marijuana offers some advantages during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic . The pandemic also offers up some disadvantages.
Edibles are finally legal in Canada in recent months. For those concerned about the lungs, edibles offer a non-smoking option as does oils, creams, and other products.
All the provinces except for Quebec and Manitoba allow up to 4 plants to grow in the home. Provinces offer mail options so people don't have to leave their homes. People have to sign for the packages.
There is one distinct disadvantage to Canadian marijuana consumers … if they rely on the black market. Transactions are more obvious with fewer people out and about. Social distancing becomes an issue since black market transactions are more discreet. We are not endorsing illegal activities; just reporting on the trends.
The divide between homeowners and renters separates marijuana use. If you are shelter-in-place and you can't smoke or grow marijuana, your options are limited. They have more options than most people on the planet.
Quebec raised its marijuana age to 21 as of the first of the year. Alberta sets the age at 18 while the other provinces are at 19. So between Ottawa (Ontario) and Gatineau (Quebec), the 18-year-old Ontario kid would be tempted to cross the border for a beer while the 19-year-old and 20-year-old Quebec kid would be tempted to cross the border for a joint.
What marijuana tourism in Ontario will look like on Opening Day
Marijuana tourists to Ontario will have to wait awhile
Marijuana travel to Canada is on hold. Only essential travel between the United States and Canada is allowed. Do not list marijuana as a reason to cross the border. Combining that marijuana travel with a Toronto Blue Jays game or a Vancouver Whitecaps MLS game is also on hold.
We were hoping to take advantage of that in the summer of 2020 and report back. That is also on hold.
Opening Day (finally) for marijuana edibles in Canada
2019 Canada Day notebook: More delays with edibles
Being in Canada where cannabis is legal but nowhere to be found
Opening Day for legal recreational marijuana in Canada
Our guide to legal marijuana in Canada
Some people are using edibles to get through the anxiety of coping with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The non-edible form is part of stress eating. If you choose to go the edible route, a few points you should consider.
Store them separately and far away from young children if they are in the house. Start small with edibles: they aren't the instant high from smoking marijuana. A little bit really goes a long way with edibles. Learn what your body can handle: start with 5 mg or 10 mg if you really aren't sure.
Canadians have options in these uncertain times.
photo credit: me
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