Marijuana use this Victoria Day weekend
This weekend is the very first of its kind since possessing and smoking marijuana was made legal on October 17 in 2018. Victoria Day is celebrated across Canada with thousands of different events taking place between Friday and Monday night. One of the most common ways that Canadians like to get in the festive spirit is by heading out to the most prominent local fireworks displays, festivals, and other unique gatherings that are typically hosted in a public area like parks, streets, or parking lots.
Now that both smoking and vaping weed are legal activities to do in public, it is essential that cannabis enthusiasts take note of a few guidelines that might not necessarily be law, while also getting familiar with local regulations. We are the very first to make an impression on any of the future imposed rules going forward, and it is critical that we respect these boundaries if we want to maintain this freedom to consume in public spaces. In Canada, there are federal restrictions on the amount of marijuana that anyone can have in their possession, but the legal ways to travel or consume it greatly vary from one region to the next. Here you will find a few tips, tricks, and guidelines that can help to keep you and anyone else in the vicinity both safe and legal while enjoying a little herb.
1. Check the travel restrictions in your area
This is one area of marijuana use laws that seems to change the most from one region to the next. Though some areas are stricter than others, in general, you should always travel with any cannabis products as far out of reach from the driver as possible. For longer hauls, the only safe way to go directly across all areas in Canada without the potential for breaking laws is to keep all your marijuana products in their original packaging and to place them in either the trunk or underneath the backseat of the vehicle. If you don’t have either option available, then we highly recommend checking before you leave to be sure, as failure to follow local restrictions can result in fines up to $1000.
2. Check the consumption restrictions in your region
Canadians are lucky to have the relatively relaxed laws that we do, but unfortunately, just like with travel, consumption rules can change dramatically from one region to the next. Most areas allow smoking marijuana or vaping weed products in the same places that cigarette smokers can partake, but some have banned marijuana use in parks entirely, so it’s always best to check your local laws while planning your trip. If you can smoke in public spaces just like cigarette smokers, then the rest of this list is perfect for you. If not, you might want to try to plan scheduled breaks or stops in other areas where marijuana use is not prohibited either just before, or just after the festivities to avoid conflict.
3. Stay away from playgrounds, and areas where children are playing
Many Canadian communities allow smoking or vaping marijuana in public parks, but almost all of them have some sort of restrictions. This is because the federal government has specific guidelines established in the best interest of the health and safety of our youth. Marijuana use follows under the same regulations as cigarette smoking, which cannot be done within 20 meters of any public playground, sporting field or facility, pool, daycare center, or pool. Even if you are abiding by the laws, it’s best to practice a little bit of common sense when consuming cannabis products in public. This can be easily done by avoiding any children that might be in the area and finding a quiet spot to enjoy your goods. Marijuana smoke does travel, and no one wants their kids to breathe that in.
4. Do not blow smoke or vape weed products into anyone’s face.
A lot of cannabis consumers seem to be under the impression that their smoke or vapor cannot affect anyone else. This is simply not true, and though this one isn’t necessarily written down anywhere as the rule of law, you should never blow smoke or vapor towards someone that you do not know who might be uncomfortable with it. Just like with cigarettes, not everyone wants to be exposed to that, and we as marijuana consumers should respect that. If the crowd is an issue, then try your best to find a good spot where the wind will blow your smoke or vapor away from people. It’s just the polite thing to do.
5. Dispose of partially consumed cannabis-infused products properly
Marijuana use is incredibly safe, especially for adults who are legally allowed to consume it. Unfortunately, even though it’s entirely non-toxic and impossible to overdose from, that doesn’t mean an accidental or even intention consumption by an unknowing child or pet couldn’t result in a very traumatizing and uncomfortable experience. Whether you are smoking marijuana, eating edibles, or vaping weed, always be sure to dispose of your cartridges, roaches, wrappers, and partially consumed edibles properly in a garbage can.
6. Be careful when mixing cannabinoids with alcohol
Though this article focuses on marijuana use by itself, for years, alcohol has been the legal substance available at most of these long weekend events. Though more experienced users of both substances may be able to tolerate consuming them together, those who are new to the effects of these elements should be very careful when combining them for the very first time. If you do decide to use both products this weekend, then be aware of how much you’re ingesting to maintain the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
7. Find a safe way home if you do decide to consume marijuana products
Though there have been many cannabis studies that have shown driving high is safer than driving drunk, both are currently illegal in Canada, and can result in thousands of dollars in fines and even a total loss of your license. Don’t take that chance. Keep yourself, and everyone else on the roads safe by designating a sober driver, busing, walking, or taking a cab home after any kind of marijuana use.
