This week in Cannabis: A designated driver in Newfoundland was found not guilty of transporting stoned passengers with open cannabis, a Nova Scotia man was evicted from his home for using medical cannabis to treat his chronic pain, and Canada’s long list of legal outdoor growers await licensing approval from Health Canada.
We’ve rounded up this week’s top stories from across Canada
A Newfoundland judge decided that drivers do not need to search their passengers “to be certain they are not carrying cannabis” on their person.
This decision followed the arrest of a sober woman who was charged with transporting friends carrying open cannabis. The friends were too intoxicated to drive.
“With respect, I do not believe that the intent of the legislation is to require that designated drivers must search their passengers before driving them home,” wrote Judge Harold Porter in his decision.
A man in Nova Scotia has been evicted from his home and forced into homelessness following a tribunal’s ruling to uphold the landlord’s eviction action.
Philip Bennett has been using medical cannabis (either via smoke or vapour inhalation) to treat his chronic pain, stemming from spinocerebellar ataxia, a degenerative genetic disorder that causes him pain and limits him to a motorized wheelchair.
Bennett’s lawyer, appointed by Nova Scotia Legal Aid, said that kicking out a tenant based on their use of medication equated to a form of discrimination. Bennett’s plans to take his case to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court next.
As of May 9, Health Canada has granted just one license permitting legal outdoor cultivation. As of March 31, there were 191 licenses awaiting approval from the government agency.
Many licensed producers are eager to get growing, since the outdoor season has already begun and outdoor grows have been said to “allow for a more robust plant.” Further, growing outdoors is known to be a cheaper, more environmentally-friendly method of growing than using greenhouses or indoor facilities.
“Health Canada is well aware of our seasonal realities, that we need to get planting,” said Jeannette VanderMarel of 48North Cannabis Corp.
To Do List
Higher Learning: Introduction to Terpenes
WINNIPEG, MB: Curious about cannabis? Tokyo Smoke hosts this free one-hour session on all things terpenes at its Dominion Centre store location. This 19+ event is happening on May 26, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Higher Learning: Terpene Workshop
WINNIPEG, MB: Next, Tokyo Smoke hosts another educational session at their Osborne Village location, delving further into the topic of terpenes. Learn about the olfactory system and how our sense of smell relates to the brain and selecting the right cannabis varietal. This free event happens on May 29 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. You must be +19 to attend.
Funky Buddha Yoga Session
TORONTO,ON: Head down to The Good Grass on Danforth to participate in a Funky Buddha Yoga Session, held on Sunday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to noon. This one-hour vape and yoga session promises to tap into your inner Buddha, disarming your body and mind. $10 per class, with vapes provided (BYOW).
The Open Smoke Comedy Show
HALIFAX, NS: Hosted by Rick McGray on Thursday nights, this +19 comedy show features upcoming comedic talent attempting to hit their punchlines in the High Life Social Club’s hazy, THC-infused second-floor lounge. Tickets are around $7 + HST for non-members.
Are you hosting a cannabis event in Canada? Email canadaevents@leafly.com to share your event with the Leafly community.
