Canada’s inaugural “bongspiel” will bring together cannabis and curling this January, Quebec introduces a bill to raise the minimum age for cannabis consumption to 21, and 4/20-friendly craft fairs and pop-ups are here for the holidays.
We’ve rounded up this week’s top stories from across Canada.
Top Headlines From Around the Web
Student Suing Hexo, BCLDB, and BC Cannabis Stores for Mislabelled Products has Anti-Cannabis History
The BC psychology student who says she was unwittingly dosed with high-THC oral spray mislabelled as high-CBD/low-THC and is suing Hexo (the spray’s producer), as well as the BC Liquor Distribution Branch and BC Cannabis Stores, was revealed to be a vocal cannabis opponent. Kimberly Webster co-authored a controversial article this summer with Thompson Rivers University professor Chris Montoya, who is on the Advisory Council for Drug Free Kids Canada. In that paper they alleged modern cannabis is up to 600 times more potent than in the 1960s and is carcinogenic to second-hand smokers. Later, Webster admitted Montoya was the “friend” with whom she became accidentally intoxicated.
Webster’s lawsuit—launched after BC Cannabis Stores sent out an email warning consumers of possibly mislabelled product—claims the experience left her “unable to perform her day-to-day activities” and “unable to perform her duties reasonably expected of a university student.” At the time the alleged mis-dosing took place, Webster—a fourth-year undergraduate student—was quoted in local media questioning the applicability of cannabis as replacement therapy for opioid addiction.
Hexo says none of the mislabelled bottles ever made it to consumers and that it was impossible for Webster to have purchased one.
48North Acquires Good & Green and Plans Outdoor Grow-Op
Ontario cannabis-for-women LP 48North acquired Good & Green, itself a feminine-branded LP, with plans to develop Canada’s first industrial-scale outdoor production site.
The same day, Canopy acquired 3% of 48North, which struck some as odd considering Canopy CEO Bruce Linton told the Senate in May that allowing LPs to grow outside was “the dumbest thing you’ll let us do.” While outdoor growing is difficult and leaves a fortune in plants open to the whims of the elements, it requires significantly less capital to set up, and likewise costs less for electricity, water, and soil nutrients than indoor and greenhouse growing.
A Curling Bonspiel for Cannabis Aficionados is Coming this January
Wiarton, Ontario—previously best known as the home of weather-predicting groundhog Wiarton Willie (d. 1999) and his various descendants—will host the world’s first legal cannabis-and-curling “bongspiel” in January. The day-long event had a capacity of sixteen four-person teams and sold out in under 24 hours.
Though curling is widely associated with alcohol, organizer Ted Ratcliffe says there has always been a quiet contingent of cannabis curlers—not surprising, considering it is a cerebral game of considerable strategy. Provincial law bans smoking indoors, however, so legal cannabis will either have to be enjoyed outside (“Unfortunately […] it’s January,” Radcliffe said, “so I imagine it going to be quick darts in and out”) or in home-prepared edibles. There will be a DJ, a live band, and—of course—plenty of snacks.
To Do List
CaneXions Holiday Craft Fair
VANCOUVER, BC — This 19+ craft fair takes place on Dec. 10 at the Hotel Sands and invites industry professionals to pursue “canna-centric products and accessories from some of BC’s best artisans.”
High Love Yoga
MONTREAL, QC — Lolë hosts this 4/20-friendly yoga session set to remixed beats by DJ Seriousblack at its Ste-Catherine store on Dec. 8.
Holiday Badness Pop-up Shop
TORONTO, ON — Bad Girls Collective teams up with Soft Focus for a five-day (Dec. 7-11) holiday pop-up that includes a cookie exchange complete with a cannabis baking workshop hosted by Michelle Babin on Dec. 11 at Milk Glass on Dundas West.
Playlist
Supply & Sunlight with Tantalus Labs
PODCAST — This week on EXTRACTED, guests Dan Sutton and Luke Jenkins chat about how the British Columbia-based producer is producing quality cannabis in its “sun lab,” an environmentally controlled greenhouse that harnesses natural sunlight and feeds plants pure, filtered rainwater.
Stoned Science
VIDEO — AsapSCIENCE has launched this new series where stoned comedians eat snacks and explain scientific concepts. On this week’s episode: the digestive system.
