I've been all over the states several times, from ocean to ocean, border to border. i've seen Canada from Washington and from Niagra, and i've seen Mexico from Texas. But i've never been out of the states. i presently live in Utah, which is just about the most oppresive, corrupt, backward state i've ever been in. I really need a change of scenery. lately my family and i have been considering taking up residence and possibly citizenship in the great white north. but obviously i have many concerns. maybe some one could answer a few Q's for me or point me to some good recources? what are the cannabis laws like? is medical mj legal? does it very by providence/area? am i going to be able to have, say, on oz. on me (i rarely have more than that at a time). or maybe grow a plant or two? How cold is it up there really. are there areas where a guy can live and not freeze his cajones off 3/4 of the year? What kind of red tape is involved. do you like the heathcare system? would you reccomend a move like this? why or why not? Any input would be appreciated. Much love & peace
well it all depends where you go. i live in ottawa and its not too cold here (i mean this year is psycho but) but that depends on how much you can withstand the cold. umm i dont really know bout all the mary jane stuff... anyone else?
I believe medical mj is legal in BC but not elsewhere. Could be wrong on that. However, the police are generally very lenient, and will usually just turn a blind eye. Can't count the number of times i've walked down busy streets smoking a j or a pipe, never had any trouble. And i've been stopped by cops (for unrelated matters) a fair few times stoned, reeking like pot, and carrying.. never had a word said to me. Dunno about growing, though. Southern Ontario has fairly mild but erratic winters. It's possible to go through all four seasons in a week around here. You'll definitely want to stay away from the prairies. Don't know about the west coast, but I imagine it's a bit colder there as it's further north. April-October is usually pretty warm though. The healthcare system is free(cheap anyway), but often backed up and slow. We immigrated here from the states 11 years ago, but i was 10 at the time so I can't comment on the red tape. I'd certainly recommend the move if it's doable. IME Canada is a much friendlier, freer, more beautiful place. Good luck.
If it's medical, I believe it's legal everywhere. However, getting it prescribed is the main concern. As for cannabis laws, depending where you are, the laws may not be enforced. In many places, cops pretty much leave the smokers alone, cause what they want are dealers. But most places they won't appreciate you growing...be familiar with your rights, and stay in the right places and you're probably okay.
It's gone back and forth a few times. Currently, medical marijuana is legal in Canada by prescription. My family doctor signed a letter stating that smoking cannabis greatly reduces the seizures from which I suffer (I have fairly severe epilepsy). That's all it took. As for being perceived as an arctic country, there are many states which are entirely or almost entirely North of me (in Southwestern Ontario). These include Alaska (obviously), Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin and portions of several other states. I'm about parallel with the Northern border of California. The Canada = frozen wasteland perception is a common one, but comparable to perceiving the United States as swelteringly hot. We do have an arctic region (where very, very few people live), just as the US has Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Hawaii, etc. A bit of Canadian weather trivia: Victoria, in Western Canada, rarely sees even a single snowfall all year.
Thank you Aldousage, you have educated me. i think that most people down here really don't know much about Canada (myself included). It's not taught in the schools and unless somebody really takes the time to research or (heaven forbid) go up and visit, we remain pretty much ignorant of our nieghbors, unfortunately.
That sucks. We gotta learn quite a bit about you Yanks At least you don't remain ignorant, or don't want to remain ignorant, like a lot of people down there seem to want to stay.
its like "Rick Mercer's Talking To Americans" very funny and quite true, though obviously not for all.
Yes it does suck. there's just so much propaganda and selective information in our school system. I was reading an anti-marijuana pamhplet that my son brought home from school. I was just amazed by the amount of fear based misinformation we are feeding our kids. How can we teach them when we can't even tell them the truth? Anyway, Canada has really been on my mind for awhile so I thought i'd do a little studying. just getting started though. Much love & peace
Personally as a Canadian, I'd head to BC. It's beautiful there. Apparnelty gonna be under water in a few years (Woot global warming!!) but what isn't? Apparently the eastern coast is nice as well. But you gotta put up w/ Newfies (kidding, they're the best... make good effing food)
