Oct. 17 marked the end of the prohibition of cannabis Canada-wide and Olds resident Chase Jesske toked up to celebrate.
Jesske is very much in favour of the legalization of recreational cannabis.
“I think it will be good for Canada because it’s been doing well in the States, like for Colorado, L.A. and all that,” Jesske said. “I think that it will bring more peaceful environments.”
Proponents say there are a number of benefits to having access to legal marijuana, including helping with sleep, stress and depression.
“It helps me individually because I have problems sleeping and I’m sure that’s the same with a lot of people,” said Jesske.
Jesske sees the most positive impact being the revenues that it will bring in.
“It’ll bring in a lot of revenue to Canada because it’s shown to bring a lot of that to the States,” he said.
According to the Colorado government marijuana sales report in 2017, the industry saw $1,507,702,219 in sales for a state with a population of 5.6 million people.
Jesske feels that the bylaws in town surrounding public consumption are fair and understandable.
“It’s something that I’m fine with because I get it. I look at it like a cigarette; some people don’t want smoke or cigarettes being around in certain areas.
“Do it on your free time at home; just not out in public, because some people may not like that,” Jesske said.
Although it's now legal to consume cannabis for recreational use in Canada as a whole, it still isn’t available to be purchased in Olds.
A public hearing about cannabis retail stores and whether they should be considered a discretionary use or permitted use is set to take place on Oct. 25 at 12 p.m. in the council chambers.
