Cannabis

Supreme Court Upholds Quebec Home-growing Ban – Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2023

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The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld a home-growing ban in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

Federal law permits Canadians to grow up to four plants per household, but the Quebec government prohibits it.

Janick Murray-Hall challenged the ban in 2019. Quebec’s Superior Court ruled that, indeed, it was unconstitutional. But the Quebec government continued to appeal.

Last Friday, the Supreme Court of Canada disagreed with the Quebec Superior Court ruling and sided with the government.

Accordingly, legalization is about public health and safety, not your individual rights. Therefore, the Quebec government’s prohibition meshes well with the stated goals of federal legalization.

Details of Supreme Court Upholding Quebec Home-growing Ban

On what justification would the Supreme Court uphold the Quebec home-growing ban? Simple: cannabis legalization has nothing to do with your rights.

The Supreme Court said we shouldn’t interpret the law permitting home cultivation as “a positive right to self-cultivation.”

The ruling reads:

It is true that, in everyday language and even in the speeches of some parliamentarians, the creation of exceptions or exemptions under a scheme of criminal offences is often described as a ‘legalization effort,’… However, this way of speaking is incorrect and falsely suggests that positive rights authorizing particular conduct have been granted to the public.

At least now, we have it in writing. Legalization is not about your right to bodily autonomy. It is a privilege that Parliament or the courts can take away should they deem it counter to the goals of “public health.”

Or, as the ruling reads:

The Quebec legislature saw the possession and personal cultivation of cannabis not as a social evil to be suppressed, but rather as a practice that should be prohibited in order to steer consumers to a controlled source of supply.

In other words: you’re too dumb to make decisions for yourself. The Quebec government doesn’t trust you to get high on your own supply.

Follow the Money

So it goes in a province that also bans certain edibles based on the value judgements of one man.

In reality, banning home-growing likely has more to do with money. Quebec has the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC), a government agency that has complete control of the cannabis market in Quebec.

While other provinces like Ontario or British Columbia will use government wholesales but permit private retail stores, in Quebec, everything is done through the SQDC.

It’s little wonder the Quebec government doesn’t want anyone home-growing and legally gifting their cannabis. It would cut into their monopolistic profiteering.

The Supreme Court is a Joke

Canada’s Supreme Court upholding the Quebec home-growing ban is another example of this institution’s uselessness.

Upon hearing the ruling, the lawyer representing the appellant told the Canadian press, “There is certainly some disappointment, but it is the decision of the highest court, it’s a constitutional decision and we don’t have much choice but to rely on this.”

And while that’s what you’d expect to hear from a professional lawyer who likely doesn’t want to be disbarred – some of us don’t have to worry about offending Supreme Court justices.

In fact, it’s about time this sacred institution faced some scrutiny.

Judicial activism is a charge often lobbied at Canada’s Supreme Court. And for good reason. Whenever the Court uses its power to influence policy instead of interpreting the law, they engage in judicial activism.

And since adopting the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as the be-all, end-all of individual Canadian rights, our system has rewarded judicial activism. Meanwhile, the principle of parliamentary sovereignty, the foundation of Canada’s democracy, has been lost.

Even among conservatives and libertarians, people cling to the Charter as the source of our freedoms.

But in doing so, we permit an unelected elite council of nine to rule over 38 million people and make “expert” opinions regarding their rights.

Our One Remedy: The Notwithstanding Clause

The Supreme Court of Canada upheld the home-growing ban in Quebec. The lawyer for the appellant said it’s a constitutional decision and “we don’t have much choice” but to accept it.

Except we don’t.

For one, Parliament itself can amend the Cannabis Act to clarify that home growing is a protected right of all Canadians.

But suppose the Supreme Court upends this legal framework enacted by a democratically elected legislature (as they’re fond of doing).

Suppose the Supreme Court makes a narrow, selective interpretation of the Charter that says: no matter what the House of Commons votes for, the Quebec government has a right to ban home-growing.

In that case, Parliament still has the notwithstanding clause.

At least, for now. Lately, there’s been concerted efforts by the far-left to eliminate this democratic remedy to Supreme Court absolutism.

And with today’s “I Support the Current Thing” social cult, the campaign to remove the Notwithstanding Clause may get some traction.

Especially when it’s conservative parties using it to undo leftist damage.

The Supreme Court Quebec Home-growing Ban Typical of Past Decisions

The Supreme Court siding with Quebec for their home-growing ban is typical of past decisions made by this body.

Look no further than Dr. Brian Day’s Cambie Surgery Centre. For 14 years, he’s been engaged in legal battles over his for-profit surgery clinic.

Last week, the Supreme Court declined to hear his case that they should have private health services read into the Charter‘s Section 7 right to life, liberty, and security of the person.

But the Court said no. If the Soviet health care system has left you suffering, even dying, Canada is a country where you have a right to end your life but no right to pay for the services that can heal you.

The Supreme Court isn’t a nonpartisan, “neutral,” transparent decision-maker. It’s an unelected council of ideologically-possessed individuals.

And I mean that in a positive way.

The Myth of the Legal Objectivity

After all, as legal scholar John Hasnas has pointed out, “The stability of the law derives not from any feature of the law itself, but from the overwhelming uniformity of ideological background among those empowered to make legal decisions.”

For centuries, that uniform ideology was the Greco-Roman, Germanic, and Judeo-Christian worldview. Especially the parts that recognize and celebrate the individual and the power of forgiveness and redemption.

Now? It’s far-left theories that use mob mentality to achieve their anti-liberal goals.

It’s about the benevolent state and belief in the power of governments to displace or even outperform civic institutions and free markets.

Or, even worse, the belief that state and society are one of the same. So one comes to think of oneself as part of the “government.”

Where decisions that are clearly about money and power become about “public health and safety.”

Where the Supreme Court upholds a home-growing ban in Quebec but permits private health care. Unless you’re an English-speaking Canadian. Then you can’t get private health care but feel free to grow up to four plants per household.

It’s true: Canada is broken.

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Cannabis

The Economic Impact of Cannabis

Published

3 hours ago

May 1, 2024

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The Economic Impact of Cannabis: A Growth Engine for Local Economies

The rapid expansion of the cannabis industry is reshaping local economies, injecting over $100 billion into the US economy in 2023, with a projected 12.5% growth in 2024. This significant impact is supported by companies like Seed Connect, a US-based cannabis seed bank.

Beyond direct sales, the broader economic ripple effect benefits various sectors, enhancing both community development and financial prosperity. The contribution of cannabis to local economies extends beyond mere financial injections.

For every $10 spent on cannabis products, an additional $18 flows back into the economy, driving economic activity that supports small businesses, creates jobs, and generates substantial tax revenue. This multiplier effect underscores cannabis as a robust driver of local economic growth.

marijuana money — Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

States like California, Colorado, and Washington have seen cannabis tax revenues surpass those from alcohol, highlighting the industry’s potential as a significant fiscal contributor.

The ongoing legalization and increasing acceptance of cannabis across the U.S. promise to amplify these economic benefits. Furthermore, the cannabis sector has become a critical employment hub, supporting over 400,000 full-time jobs nationwide. This number is expected to rise as the market expands, illustrating the industry’s role in fostering a diverse range of job opportunities across retail, cultivation, and beyond.

The economic dynamics of the cannabis industry also include enhancing public health outcomes.

Many localities utilize cannabis tax revenues to fund public services such as education and healthcare, directly benefiting community welfare.

Moreover, the industry’s growth encourages sustainable agricultural practices and technological innovations that further enhance its economic and environmental impact.

Considering these factors, the economic influence of cannabis not only represents a compelling narrative for States contemplating or already benefiting from legalization but also positions the industry as a pivotal element in future economic planning.

Investors, policymakers, and community leaders are increasingly recognizing the potential for sustained economic benefits, making cannabis a crucial area of interest in economic development discussions.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, its capacity to contribute to economic stability and growth becomes ever more apparent, ensuring a dynamic and resilient future for local economies.

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Adam Bierman

These Two Iconic Cannabis Companies Could Disappear

Published

24 hours ago

May 1, 2024

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Both were high flying symbols of the promise of the legal cannabis industry. Both, at one point, led by an Adam and both made mainstream headlines. Now, as the cannabis world take another key step toward mainstreaming, these two iconic cannabis companies could disappear. Both High Times and Medmen went into receivership in the month of April.

As the cannabis industry enters a new era, both companies straddled the gulf between the weed wild wild west and today’s market-price/share-price focus. Early on, each became the darling of media attention and part of the general population’s conversation. Medmen’s antics saw them skewered on the hit show South Park. Both became regulars on Cheddar as industry thought leaders. High Times, the founder of the original cannabis cup, made high flying deals, did a controversial “non” public offering, and, in looks, expanded into dispensaries. Both are now in court waiting to see what happens to the companies and assets.

Medmen hit the market in 2010 with co-founder in Adam Bierman and Andrew Modlin. In 2018 MedMen West Hollywood was one of the first legal cannabis dispensaries to open in California. Hailed as the Apple Store of weed, their slick design captured the feel of the new wider market and set the pace for of retails wishing to attract an expanding mainstream consumer. From there came an expansion including an expensive sort of store on 5th Ave in New York City, greenhouse grows, a REIT, and lots of press. Things began changing when they went public with a reverse merger. Things took an ugly turn with a messy lawsuit with the outgoing CFO, the the Journal of the American Medical Association called them out for their marketing, and things went down hill quickly. On March 11, 2024, it was reported by several sources that Medmen had closed operations everywhere except for in San Diego and near LA International Airport. It was announced the company is $411 million in debt while awaiting the court’s decision about their future.

High Times was the leader of the marijuana movement, helping people learn, engage and get stoned. They taught people the value of medical marijuana and brought celebrities to the forefront of the movement. Then the 44-year-old magazine was sold to a group of investors led by Adam Levin and the Los Angeles-based Oreva Capital for $42 million. Rumor has it, the founder’s widow is still owed money from this deal. Levin claimed he could raise the value of the company to $100s of million of dollars, but followed was a messy, tangled trip leaving heartbroken investors behind. Multi rounds of funding with a variety of valuations, a semi-offering to the general public at $11 a share, cancelled cannabis cups, and a web of activities raised eyebrows. From a practical point of you, the site never really looked at the new legal market, they figured the newbies would immediately embrace the legacy culture. Instead, companies like Wana Brands appealed to them with gummies named Calm. The movement moved on and High Times tried to enter the dispensary market. Now all the assets sit with a receiver and the fate of the legendary leader is unknown.

These are the tails of a fast rising, consumer driven, mainstreaming industry.

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Cannabis

The Benefits Of Consuming Marijuana Alone

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2024

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Some times you want to relax and just chill in your own head – and that is 100% ok

Trivia night, parties, hanging with friends, sporting events…all group activities when you might imbibe in something to add to the fun atmosphere. Heading to a bar, going out to eat, or family events might including a bit of booze or a small toke. Both can put you in the right mood. But here are the benefits of consuming marijuana alone.

Drinking alone can cause issues as alcohol can have different effects. A big difference between marijuana and alcohol is the latter is a depressant. Cannabis, in the right dosage, tends to reduce anxiety and can help battle depression. Also, overindulges with weed leads to falling asleep, where overdoing it with cocktails can lead to blackout and serious help issues.

13 songs to add to your smoke sesh playlist — Photo by Matthew Henry via Burst

Marijuana is surprisingly effective and malleable when consumed alone. If you challenge yourself, it can be used for different activities including creative, social and physical. When getting the dosage right, weed can act as a stimulant for your brain, helping you journal and doodle, or for your body, pushing you to workout or clean and sort through your closet.

Another benefit is you can enjoy the wonder of being in a high state of mine. Experts express they love watching a movie on a large screen as it makes them feel they are in the movie (probably not a good idea to watch horror films). It can almost make you feel like you meld with music. when you’re high because cannabis affects your sense of timing. When you smoke weed, your brain slows down and becomes more sensitive to the rhythms in music. It makes it easier to appreciate the subtleties in the music

Personal reflection and growth are other prime reasons for solo cannabis consuming. It allows individuals to immerse themselves in a deep journey into their own being, stripped of the distractions and outside influences that often cloud our understanding. For introverts, this can be time to balance and recharge.

The best part about marijuana is you can enjoy it without ahangover allowing you the next day to be productive. Before diving in to your solo marijuana journey and all of the perks it can result in, here are the best & safest practices.

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