My Covid-19 Diary 5: Toronto Trippin'

After being on the road, it's hard just staying at home all the time. Though it's only been about two months since we got back, it now seems like a lifetime ago .... 

Last fall, Janet and I hit the open road to celebrate her retirement. First Japan [LINK] and then Florida [LINK]. With stopovers inbetween; back home in Toronto at Christmas, and for a February protest rally or two. [LINK] Before we wrapped up our winter tripping in Santiago de Cuba.

Originally, we'd planned to stick around Toronto for only a month or so. Then go to our trailer in the Land o' Lakes [LINK]. Fully enjoy the Canadian spring, summer and early fall in the great outdoors. 

Instead, the Covid-19 pandemic struck. We've been grounded at home, ever since.

I'd planned a Cuban travel blog when we got back. That was interrupted by the pandemic too. It'll follow shortly. First, a few, more, catch up notes:

Covid-19 is truly, a silent, uncanny enemy. Since our close brush with Costco and the Zombie Apocalypse, I've acquired a real aversion to going outside, even just for our groceries and household supplies. [LINK]

One never knows where the nefarious coronavirus lurks ...

During November, we were in Japan. Apparently, that was before the pandemic struck. We saw some fellow Chinese travellers, but can't recall having any contact with them. 

We regularly rubbed shoulders with the German and Italian tourists In Cuba. Some of of them, as it turns out, were carrying the virus. We seem okay, but being good Canadians, are still staying at home anyway. 

As seniors, we're at high risk. Plus, who knows who's asymptomatic? Maybe the shopper next to us? The sales or stock clerk?

Better safe than sorry! Since crossing Costco off our shopping list, we decided to try grocery shopping at the nearby Metro Downsview instead. Saw lots of shoppers in gloves and masks. But only about half of them were social distancing. 

There were plenty of signs and announcements over the PA, but it's very easy to make mistakes, when the aisles are narrow. 

Still, it seems like many shoppers simply can't measure and stay 2 metres apart. Or maybe they think that either wearing PPE's or practising social distancing, but not both, will do?

All things considered, I'm not surprised that the infection rate here in Toronto hasn't yet shown a steady decline.

Plus, without proper testing, we've no idea how widespread the virus really is. Where it's spread. Nor if it's always being properly reported either, when there's an outbreak at the stores.

It disturbs me to no end. Sometimes, the tension is almost palpable. Janet's really good about it all, but likes to go shopping anyway. Like a big kid, she just wants to get out. Is going stir crazy.

I feel her pain. But am more hard assed about the safety precautions. Meanwhile, she's stuck indoors with me now all the time. Poor girl!

Still, we've been together almost twenty years. Are apt to verbally spar and squabble at the best of times, as is our way. Fortunately, we're very used to each other by now. We're still keeping it together, quite well. 

It's May now. It's been a very long stretch. Our condo is spacious. Very comfortable. Low maintenance. If need be, we can hang on here indefinitely.

Still, even the overhead flights to nearby Pearson International Airport have now all but stopped. Replaced with a quiet uncertainty among the endless hours of waiting ... and waiting ... and waiting to safely get back outdoors again; the new order of our day. 

Oh to be social distancing way out in the woods, in the Land o' Lakes! In my mind's eye, Janet and I are lounging on our summer porch, with two tasty steaks on the BBQ. I'm toking on a big, fat, outdoor sized reefer. Inbetween frequent kayak trips. Instead of this .... 

And so, we patiently await news on whether trips to cottage country will be allowed come the May 18th Victoria Day long weekend. When Toronto is still the provincial epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic?

And we're still tripping! Kinda sorta! Lately, I've been vaping some lighter, hybrid cannabis strains to rest and relax, legalization style. 

I'm finishing off the last of the Emblem Nebula, that I was telling you about. A little OHM leaves me feeling pretty dreamy and sedate. Or I'll fire up some 808 Headband, for a happy, euphoric buzz. Plus, I enjoy the old one-two punch of a lil' Pine Tar Kush, when it all gets too much. Yummy. Yummy. Yummy.

Last Saturday, a 100 mg THC Smiley Pop had me ... er ... smiling. A lot! That really livened things up!

Come evenings, Janet and I enjoy a pot of Yoni tea; 300 mg THC and 100 CBD per 30 gm pack. That's a lot of tea! 

It's a different kind of tripping, but very calming and relaxing. We'll cuddle together on the couch. Watch TV. Have our fun. Then drift gently off to sleep.

So, as we wrap up two months at home, we're still hanging in there. Hope you are too!

Be well!

Keep trippin' the good way!

David C.

COMMENTS:

My COVID-19 Diary 1: Canuck Pandemic!

We're back at Toronto's Pearson International Airport from our winter travels. It's sheer pandemonium. Next day, the WHO officially declares the COVID-19 a pandemic. Today, the panic is quite palpable. So dense, you can feel it in the air. 

We join the long lines snaking through the jam packed terminal. Beneath the pensive gaze of the custom and border guards, some in medical masks and gloves. Some not. Faced with a seething, angry mob. 

People push. Shove. Heave to and fro. There's lots of line jumpers. Angry shouting matches. Janet and I are stuck, at the weary end of our long, winter journey. Two tired travellers seeking repatriation; to just be back in the safety of our own home. But faced with a frightening spectacle. A pandemic that's suddenly turned very real, for us. Along with everybody else and their mother, desperate to get home asap, before the shit hits the fan.

This winter, we've been to Japan, Florida, and Cuba. I've got a headache. We've both got the sniffles. All symptoms of the virus. But also very typical for this time of year. So who knows?

The politics of the Great 2020 Pandemic are maddening enough to burst a blood vessel!

Here in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford's Conservative government has eliminated sick days for our lowest paid workers. If away, they must pay for sick notes, they can ill afford. While Doug the Thug claims that no cost will be spared to ease the economic crisis. Perhaps for his big, fat corporate friends that is! 

Hello Corporate Socialism! Watch the big business bail outs begin. While the little guy once again, gets stuck with the bill!

Stateside a befuckled President Donald Trump has been all but in complete denial. Crying fake news. Wasting valuable time before he flip flops. Promising that he'll keep the stock market open for his big, business buddies. Other partners in crime. A small consolation for the poor working American stiff. 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is in self imposed social isolation for two weeks. There are so many words and terms that seem benign in our new COVID-19 lexicon, eh? 

His wife Sophie was diagnosed with the virus, so he's being prudent. Cautious. And very Canadian. Likewise, Toronto Mayor John Tory self isolates too, after possibly being exposed to the virus, while travelling over seas. 

Two different political. Different levels of government. Both setting a good personal example for a jittery public. Like them or not, and I'm not usually sold on either, it's a big plus!

Now a days, these emergency measures are called "flattening the curve". Think better safe than sorry. An ounce of prevention. Nipping it in the bud. 

Italy is in lockdown. Whole cities in China quarantined. Welcome to COVID-19; a new respiratory virus for which there is no inoculation shot, yet. Nor clearly defined public and medical procedures yet in place. Everything is evolving by the minute.

In Ontario, we're caught with our pants down, so to speak, amongst all Ford's health cuts to ... ahem ... balance the conservative provincial budget.

Hell, truth be told, testing centres are just now being set up here in Toronto and across Ontario. A full week after we've returned home! 

Most of us probably don't have the virus, though most everyone is very worried that they do. 

So here we are, trapped in our very own Toronto, Ontario, Canada existential crisis!

What can Janet and I do? Japan's close to the epicentre, but we travelled there in November. As for Panama City Beach, Florida? Or Santiago de Cuba? Could we have gotten infected there?

We've decided to self isolate for two weeks. Take it from there .....

Anyway, here we are, back home from our travels. But quite frankly out of everything. The kitchen shelves bare. 

My ... er ... unregulated weed man provides free home delivery, so I quickly load up on Rick Simpson Oil, a THC tincture, and some nice bud to tide me through the crisis. Calm minds will prevail! In our home, anyway!

The pharmacy renews all my other prescription for three months, over the phone. Delivers them too. 

But we absolutely need to make a grocery run to Costco. And so we do.

Oh no! A frantic crowd quickly strips a skid of water bottles clean, no sooner than it's wheeled out on the floor. 

The mad frenzy continues. Get this -there's no more toilet paper left! Anywhere! Explain stockpiling toilet paper for me, please! 

Only in Canada you say?

A couple grab at the Maple Syrup. Madly staring at us. Not so little knives shooting from their dazed eyes. 

Jeez. No problemo. it's yours!

It's only fitting, I suppose, that come March 2020 we are faced with yet more crisis, shock and awe. I should be very upset.

But here Janet and I are stuck at home for two weeks. With a great excuse to relax and do absolutely nothing! 

Family and friends call to check up on us. Our building super and neighbours too. 

I smoke another doobie. Put on some more tunes. Janet couch surfs the huge backlog of all her favourite TV shows on the PVR. 

How surreal! Despite the gnawing uncertainty, all is well. Still, it's hardly a happy occasion. And after so much adventure and excitement on the open road, the homebound boredom is definately setting in. 

Sigh. Alas.

Anyway, with spring just around the corner, we'll be off to the Land o' Lakes soon enough. 

Meanwhile, I hope you are staying well. Taking good care of yourself too, wherever you are. 

Remember, it's okay to go outside for a nice, refreshing walk. Some exercise, Maybe in the park. Or the countryside. Just so long as there aren't lots of people around.

Works fine for me. It was getting too peopley outside, anyway. 

Heh. heh. Er .....

Though last time I looked out our window it was rather eerie. Busy, bustling Weston Road is now quiet and empty. It's rather unsettling, but let's hope for the best. 

We are all in this together. So let's take every reasonable precaution, for both ourselves and the sake of others!

And hey -we've still got the internet! Expect lots more of my blog site updates in the daze ahead!

Pax/
Salud!

David C

COMMENTS:

Mexico: Akumal A-Go-Go!

It's Janet and my anniversary, so off we go on another vacation. Quite frankly any excuse will do. However we're beach people. Experience teaches us that Akumal Mexico has a drop dead, gorgeous, white sand beach, along the Mayan Riviera. With swaying palms. Turquoise sea. And lots and lots of vividly real and colourful sea life. In particular it's a nesting grounds for turtles. Countless turtles. Whole families of them. Everywhere. What more could me and my honeybuns ask for? 

Yes! It's time for another holiday in the sun!

Escaping the cold north via Toronto's Pearson Airport, we touch down in sunny Cancun, a few hours later. A sudden, full frontal blast of heat hits us as we step off the plane. Next thing we know, we're at Secrets Akumal, a 5 star resort that we couldn't usually afford, except as a last minute deal. A nice room with a view. Excellent food. Service. The beach. Janet likes to be pampered on our vacations. Me? I like to swim. What more could we possibly ask for?

We spent the next week relaxing on the beach in our lounge chairs, under an nice umbrella, cool drinks in hand. Enjoying frequent snorkel trips along the shore, down along the sea coast, out to the far reef. Swimming among the turtles. Squid. Blowfish. Huge schools of brightly coloured tropical fish. A giant 6 foot silver barracuda. And a feisty, but harmless nurse shark. All this and more. It was truly magical. Spectacular.

Divers take note: We've been visiting Akumal for a few decades now. It's grown from a small, forgotten fishing village along the coast into a major, sprawling tourist hotspot. Whereas once we swam freely about, much as we pleased, a lot of the main beach area is now a restricted area, for very good, environmental reasons.

Sadly, the beach rules, as posted prominently along the glistening white sands, are now absolutely necessary, to preserve the endangered sea life. Far too many swimmers and divers have been poking and grabbing at the turtles. Mucking up the feeding and breeding grounds with their diving fins. Poisoning the waters with sun tan lotion and human waste. 

It's been quite disastrous! Many of the stressed out turtles that I saw had huge tumours and open sores along their neck and face! Very, very disturbing! 

If you visit Akumal, please be prepared to observe the beach rules. Or maybe head somewhere else for awhile. The turtles were here long before we came along. Hopefully they will still be here well after we are gone. Or maybe not?!?

Regretfully, Janet and I also had some very serious concerns with the Secrets Resort. For starters, to get our room keys, we had to sign a promissory note that we would not smoke cannabis anywhere at the resort!

As a medical cannabis user, and a Canadian one too boot, I was quite frankly insulted. It is, of course, perfectly legal to toke in our country. I was quickly assured that it had nothing to do with our being Canadian. Indeed, everybody has to sign the surprise form, once you are there, to get your key! 

Of course, this is Mexico. The laws are definitely different here. Still, at many other resorts I have visited in Mexico and Jamaica, both of which are moving towards legalization, they'll at least turn a blind eye to tourists toking on their balcony or on the beach. Yes it's illegal, but the times they are a changing. 

Not here! I was truly saddened that the Apple Vacation Group is now making a cannabis ban standard policy at all their resorts, even as legalization spreads across the Americas. Guess which secretly reactionary, reefer madness, resort chain I won't be frequently, during the years ahead?

Of course, there is a simple solution for the dedicated pothead tripping abroad. My doctor at the cannabis clinic recommended Sativex spray and Naboline. Both are perfectly legal, prescription drugs in many countries, though not in others, where they are at worst simply not allowed through customs. That's if they even recognize them among the other many different, bewildering prescriptions in one's kit bag. 

A quick spray or two or three of Sativex is good for a very long, spacey dive in the sea. One Naboline will keep me happily buzzing along on a pot like high for up to 12 hours at a time. Normally, I am hesitant to use cannabinoids, but hey, these will do nicely in a pinch!

Also, the Apple Vacation Group tricked us into attending a very unseemly, hard sell for a ridiculously confusing, contorted and costly world travel package of some sort. The long, drawn out presentation was extremely tacky and totally unbecoming of such an otherwise outstanding 5 star hotel. There is no excuse for this. The check in desk even recommended it, upon our arrival, catching us off guard, thinking it had something to do with our stay at the resort. 

So Janet and I wasted a few hours our first morning in Akumal trapped indoors listening to a quite shameless marketing scam. Gritting our teeth. True, we got a very nice, free, massage at the luxurious hotel spa out of it. Fortunately, that quickly helped wash off the very slimy feeling leftover from the embarrassing sales speil, but still ..... Uggh!

All in all, we're very unlikely to rebook a Secrets vacation anytime soon. Sad to say, but beware! You might well avoid Secrets and the Apple Vacations Group at all costs! Despite the many wonderful luxuries at their Akumal resort, the sneakiness and questionable practices as noted, certainly wouldn't make us feel very comfortable visiting again.

But let's not labour the point. Overall, we had a very relaxing week on the beach. A very romantic stay. The stresses of the day dissipating under the hot sun. The refreshing cool water. The delightful sea breeze. 

As for the Mexicans themselves? We mostly stayed on the resort. The staff and locals in Akumal were absolutely wonderful. Always pleasant and helpful. The guests? Mostly American. A handful of Euros, latins, and a few, very few Canadians. Overall, a lot more loud and abrasive than what we're used to. But since we were on a romantic getaway, we just stuck to ourselves anyway.

We could overhear a lot of the yanks talking. Were quite surprised with how many of them actually think Trump is really smart and on to something. Janet just bit her tongue. Me? I enjoy talking with just about anyone. But must wonder why they'd want to vacation in Mexico of all places?!? Maybe they'd confused all the talk of a "wall" with um ... shopping "malls"?!? 

Yes! There's lots of shopping malls here! And often, everything is much, much cheaper locally, if you want to make the effort. We took a quick run into Playa de Carmen. Scored some bottles of mescal with the notorious, bloated worm and even a rather nasty looking scorpion, waiting at the bottom. Ha. Cost a fraction of the price, even at the roadside tequila factory or, god forbid, at the resort. 

Fortunately, we got a great last minute deal at Secrets from our travel agent at New Wave Travel here in Toronto, otherwise we couldn't have afforded it. Indeed, Tourist Ville Mexico on the whole was very, very expensive for most everything, unless you really shop around. 

By the way, I brought along a book to read; Bob Woodward's Fear. All about a TV reality star who becomes US president. Hasn't the slightest idea of what he's doing. Can't learn from his mistakes. Had I read it even two or so years ago, the last time I was here, I'd have thought it sheer fiction. Won't happen. Impossible. Completely crazy. 

But now? Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction!

COMMENTS:

Oh Cannabis: No Toking In Your Apt or Condo?!?

No toking allowed! Think you'll be able to peacefully enjoy a toke in the privacy of your own home once Canada's legalization bill is passed? Think again! [NOW!]

The Canadian Senate votes on legalization June 7th. Meanwhile, OREA's [Ontario Real Estate Association] realtor's, developers, landlords, property managers and a lot of lackey condo boards are racing to ban smoking cannabis from their buildings. In some cases medical cannabis patients will be clearly exempt. In many others? Not!

Summer is almost upon us! Regretfully, I'm busy consulting lawyers, cannabis advocacy groups, activists, and other various sundry. Tied up with meetings, messages, you name it. Why? Because it almost happened at our building, and I'm not sure we've heard the last of this yet!

So how will you fare! Have you been looking forward to a nice, legal toke in the sanctity of your home? Be it a condo? A rental? Or even public housing?

Are you aware of OREA's nefarious and politically motivated conspiracy to make that go up in smoke asap before the 7th? Do you realize how little time there is to act? Or you'll face a lot of grief?

Surprise! Neo-conster Tim Hudak is back! As CEO of OREA! That's right! The very same Timbo! The former Ontario Conservative leader! Who's political career crashed and burned along with his parties huge 2014 election lead! The original Mr. "100,000-Public-Service-Cuts" who declared war on our schools, hospitals and other public services!

Yup! Timbo is still very busy! Wasting no time! Remember the hard "hate on" he had for lobbyists and special interest groups! Well, now he's leading one! "Big Brother" and "Nanny State" style! To target cannabis users right in the privacy and sanctity of our home!

Timbo's lobbying the Conservative senators in Ottawa. Also our new Ontario government, whomever that will be. Trying to get ahead of legalization, force hands and subvert the process against everyday folk like you and me. The phoenix is rising! You can even visit his OREA website in full blown glory with all it's bells y whistles @ [OREA]

Be careful! Very careful! Tim Hudak knows that legalization is going to be a total legal mess! So he's being REAL sneaky! It's usually very difficult to change condo "by-laws". They require proper notice, quorum at a meeting and an 80% vote. For good reason! Especially here!

Consider this -OREA's goal is to "grandfather" the smoking of tobacco and cannabis at home for the large number of everyday folk who own a condo or don't live in a house or apartment of your own! It's in the interests of his corporate clients, disguised with a trendy "Smoke Free" thrust. No matter that it's a huge civil liberty issue, setting a very bad precedent for years to come. Our medical or recreational cannabis community be damned! So what's the plan?

Meet reefer mad woman Denise Lash of Lash Condo Law, a so called "boutique" firm! Working with OREA she's gleefully singing their tune! Piling on heaps o' fear mongering, conjecture, and game playing to forward the OREA agenda for Ontario's landlords, property managers, developers and realtor's across the GTA before June 7th.

Imagine this if you can! I certainly can't! Cannabis is legalized June 7th! Crazed pot smokers over run the hallways of your building! Starting fires! Setting up grow ops of the devil's weed that waste huge amounts of  precious utility dollars while rendering the units unsaleable.

Get this! Lash Condo Law, probably like a lot of these boutique firms, knows how your condo board can pass OREA's toking ban as a "rule" instead of as a "by-law". That way, it passes within 30 days unless 15% of the condo owners organize and object. If  not?

Verboten -No discussion, debate or vote allowed!

How democratic, and community orientated eh? Who's interests are being served? Certainly not the lowly condo owner looking forward to a legal toke in the comfort of their home!

Yup! Lash Law's been busy, busy busy, feverishly whipping up public and condo board support for "the rule". Then it seems, spoon feeding Denise's shocked readers with the low down, nitty gritty on how to use it to meet OREA's goals.

See for yourself! Read her "news" interviews and law blogs @ [LCL] [LCL] and @ [PC].

Alas! The boutique firm somehow left something very important out of the "Smoke Free Environment Rules", and the owner's "Notice of the Rule" that they drafted for our property manager to bring to our condo board for a vote. There wasn't any mention whatsoever of medical cannabis patient rights or accommodation at all!

Welcome to Prohibition 2.0 -condo style! Fortunately, as a board director, medical cannabis activist and patient I noticed right away. Raised the red flag of human rights violations. Made sure the rush "rule" got shot down at an emergency board meeting called for a week later. Sure it took a lot of time and effort. But if I hadn't?

Should your board pass "the rule", it could face a very expensive legal challenge and hike in your maintenance fees! While OREA sits twiddling their thumbs waiting to see how it all works out!

Regretfully, I for one, would immediately hand it over to any number of interested parties to run with as a human rights complaint at the drop of a hat! This is just so plain, terribly wrong!

Think about it! Under our new "rule", even medical cannabis patients "must sign" and identify themselves to the board of directors and by association, our property manager and building superintendant, as smokers. Same with recreational tokers, even though smoking weed is still an illegal activity.

The condo board then also has "sole and absolute discretion" to decide if we 're being an "annoyance or nuisance" and what to do, should anyone object to the smoke or odour from our medical cannabis, while indemnifying the board and holding it harmless! As a medical cannabis patient, I only vape at home, and always try to be reasonable, but this, of course, is totally unacceptable. On these issues the rule is silent. Very unclear for the layman/ woman, at least, among all the legal jargon. Probably our average neighbour, building superintendent, or board member who might act on it too!

No cultivation is allowed either. Hello ACMPR ........

The list goes on and on ....

For shame! Medical cannabis users have been waiting since 2001 at the very least for legalization to end the stigma and discrimination we face daily. We need safe, reliable, hassle free access to our medication, just like any other patient. We await further direction from Ottawa and the province. But not so OREA it seems, even though there will surely be plenty of human right challenges indeed.

Nor would we medical cannabis patients likely be alone! Are you young? Do you belong to a visible minority group? Are you a white collar professional with a legal reputation to uphold? Or just an everyday recreational toker? Or perhaps just someone who might want to try cannabis after it's legalized? You could face arrest for having to go outside for a toke instead. Yes! Under Ontario's Cannabis Act, that'll still be illegal! Hello, police .....? [VICE] [IPol]

Welcome to the new wrath, stigma and discrimination of Prohibition 2.0, courtesy OREA and "boutique" law!

My advice? Act now or get ready for a lot of grief and a big fight ahead! Best contact your condo board or tenants association! ASAP! It's high time to nip any such "rules" in the bud, right now where you live, before it's too late! 

COMMENTS:

Cannabis Culture 5: A Court Settlement?

 

The Cannabis Culture 5 were back at Toronto's old city hall courthouse November 7th. It was another, long, drawn out, tedious morning full of procedural wrangling, with the case finally being remanded until December 4th.

Here's an important takeaway: It seems the pretrial resolution discussion process is going fairly well. A feisty Marc Emery is even hopeful that a settlement can soon be reached!

To wit: Our High Prince o' Pot advises Oh Cannabis that the crown isn't seeking jail time, which he's quite willing to serve. Instead, it sounds like they are raising the Prohibition 2.0 ante, seeking a huge, much larger fine than any we have so far seen in a case resulting from the ongoing, cross Canada dispensary raids. Eternally optimistic, our PoP has high hopes that a deal might still be reached by December 4th! Marc explains @ [Videoclip]

Meanwhile, Jody Emery expressed her dismay over the awful, supply shortages Canada's medical cannabis users still face prior to legalization in Spring 2018. Cannabis Culture, like our other, indie, craft weed dispensaries, was already up and running to meet our unfilled prescription needs, with a wide variety of otherwise still available products and strains. Ironically, as the police raids continue full thrust, Canada's much touted, corporate, licensed producers still won't be able to adequately meet  Canada's medical cannabis needs, let alone the new legal recreational demand, come this spring! Jodie speaks @ [Videoclip]

The CC5's Erin Goodwin tells Oh Cannabis that she's of course enthusiastic to wrap up the case asap. However, as Erin points out, it was only through active civil disobedience over the years that Canada's prohibition laws have been changed. One doubts the good fight to safeguard our basic civil rights will be over on December 4th, let alone next spring, come what may, on any number of fronts. Nonetheless, as a result of cannabis activism, better toking days are definitely on their way! Erin looks ahead @ [Videoclip]

LINKS

News Updates/ Links:  Oh Cannabis News Y View @ Fall1 @ Summer @ May-June @ Spring 2 @ Spring 1 @ Jan-Feb @ December

On Cannabis Culture and Toronto's Wild West @ HERE!

On Marc Emery + The Ontario's Pot Busts @ THERE!

Oh Cannabis: More On Ontario's Dispensary Busts @ HERE!

Oh Cannabis: On LGBTQ + Inclusivity @ HERE!

Free The Emerys -The Cannabis Culture Bust @ THERE!

Oh Cannabis Culture: The Project Gator Busts @ THERE!

A Toke With Marc + Jodie Emery: @ HERE! 

Toronto Protest Videos @ THERE!

CC5 in Court @ HERE! 

Also follow me live on Twitter @davidchiarelli

COMMENTS:

Oh Cannabis Culture: On LGBTQ + Inclusivity!

It’s high noon! I’m at Marc Emery’s Cannabis Culture 461 Church St. dispensary and lounge in Toronto Canada’s historical “gay village”.

Not even the nitty, gritty bluster of a cold, wet, miserable Toronto winter day can keep us away! Hardly! Come lunch hour? The crowds are already eagerly lining up seeking a high time respite from it's cruel ravages.

It’s a decidedly downtown crowd. It's a mad, happy mix of Ryerson university students, construction workers, tired shoppers and the office crowd from surrounding downtown Skyscraper National Park. Everyone gladly rubbing shoulders with Cannabis Culture’s LGBTQ Church Street regulars.

We're here for some good vibes, great times and a lot of potent, mind expanding and most excellent weed. Cannabis Culture’s latest offerings, for all tastes and budgets, greet us from the large sign posted overhead on the shop wall:
 

 

Since last fall, Canada’s High Prince o’ Pot and Cannabis activist Marc Emery has been busy breaking new ground here in Canada's largest city. He'd proudly opened Cannabis Culture’s first Church Street digs in October. I reported it here on my blog. So did a lot of other more mainstream Canadian media sources. [See "Links" below]

In the finest spirit of political activism and "in your face" civil disobedience, Marc has since succeeded in creating a very successful and vibrant LGBTQ user friendly dispensary and safe Cannabis lounge and dispensary. It's smack dab downtown, a short hop from the Eaton Centre and Dundas Square, a ground zero of downtown Toronto life!

Toronto’s Cannabis movement knows the wrath of  City Mayor and "Reefer Madman"John Tory. We've suffered a Toronto Wild West of his creation, while we await a federal legalization bill promised by Ottawa this spring. The Toronto Police “Project Claudia” dispensary raids continue unabated.

In the news and in the courts, Marc is continuing the good fight with his goal of opening 200 Cannabis Culture dispensaries across Canada in 2017. At Cannabis Culture Church Street, he's created a lively and gay downtown weed shopping and party hot spot landmark. It's a bright light on Toronto's progressive landscape, deserving our political and business support!

Mark the Doorman [with a “k”] directs traffic and provides security at the front door. He’s also quick to supply friendly cannabis culture etiquette tips. Which line up? How to take pictures? Or wiggle in to talk with Marc? Cannabis Culture is most decidedly a LGBTQ2 positive, safe and 4/20 friendly space! One with a very mixed but comfortable crowd, in a relaxed downtown Toronto setting.

As one makes our way through the dispensary, our eyes are diverted to the collage of news photos and articles lining the walls. They provide a fascinating insight into the history of Toronto’s gay community; a story of police harassment, bathhouse raids, and decisive protests that created change.

Others highlight the good fight to legalize cannabis. There's “gay” protest soldier in arm's Allan Ginsberg [“Pot is Fun!”], and the Le Dain report. An iconic image of a handcuffed but undaunted Cannabiz Culture Battle Grrrrrl Erin Goodwin. In the finest of protest style, she's being lead away undaunted by Toronto Police, during Mayor John Tory's current, ongoing “Project Claudia” dispensary raids.

 

Further along the walls towards the back lounge, are many more posters, highlighting the entertainment night schedules. There's live music on the 1^st and 3^rd Mondays of each month. Comedy nights. Also the monthly, free “Ganga Queen’s” drag show. A bright, colourful, new poster informs us that the next one's March 10th, from 9-11pm.

The lounge is very kool and laid back. As a “straight” toker, I never feel uncomfortable. I like the lively chatter which is friendly, inclusive, and progressively orientated. Much moreso than what we often find in other more seemingly “respectable” downtown clubs, bars and hangouts in the dark, mean streets of any big city, downtown Toronto included!

Truly, Cannabis Culture, Church Street lives up to the one and only “warning sign”  on it’s walls. This is, “No place for homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism or hate. We have zero tolerance for intolerance.”

Marc also re-directs receipts from the shop's growing sales to various LGBTQ and two spirited charities and groups. Further donations are also being used to help with Syrian refugee relief, and the worldwide human right efforts of Amnesty International. It's a profit driven but politically progressive and viable business model that vibrantly reflects Toronto's sense of inclusivity and tolerance with our LGBTQ community. It provides a fitting gathering place our cities progressives can heartily embrace!

 

LINKS:

 

On Cannabis Culture and Toronto's Wild West: My blog on the Toronto Police "raid" at  Marc Emery's first Church Street location is @ Here!

 

On Marc Emery and Ontario's Dispensary Raids: The Peterborough Cannabis Culture bust. Covers a speech by Marc outlining his views and philosophy on legalization and the police dispensary raids @ Here!

 

Oh Cannabis Winter News y Views: More recent Marc Emery links. Also a lot of other stoner news links from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and the US is @ Here!

 

Oh Cannabis December News y Views: More news links. Includes exclusive audio video clips about the Montreal Cannabis Culture dispensary raids. A lot of other cool weed news stories too @ There!

 

My Statement on Medical Cannabis is @ Youtube!

 

Project Claudia: Toronto City Hall: A backgrounder @ There!

 

Note: "Oh Cannabis" is glad to highlight progressive Cannabiz initiatives. However, a "blogger" walking into your locale to take pictures and ask questions, rarely goes over well. So kindly forward me an invite, and let's see what we can do!

davechiarelli@gmail.com

 

 

Next Show: March 10th, same time, place ....

 

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