The Editor,
Re. “Cities prep for pot” (The Tri-City News, April 27).
With the coming legalization of cannabis, have the federal, provincial and municipal governments given due consideration on how to successfully protect those Canadians who do not wish to be subjected to the smell of marijuana in any form?
Some Canadians, like myself, do not tolerate the smell of marijuana because one is sensitive (allergic) to it.
Being sensitive is a life-threatening and life-hampering condition for which there is no known cure. The afflicted individuals have to avoid exposure to what they are sensitive to, and how is this possible if neighbours are growing or smoking marijuana?
People who experienced grow ops in their area will agree that marijuana produces an absolutely disgusting odour that penetrates neighbouring dwellings. These odours are unwelcoming smells and can make some people feel sick.
Even a few marijuana plants growing in someone’s garden or balcony (and the processing of these plants) could/would be unpleasant or hazardous for some people, as is the outdoor smoking of this drug.
Much consideration needs to be given by all levels of government to protect people who react physically to marijuana — the entire general public will benefit.
People who want or need to smoke marijuana for recreational or medicinal reasons have the privilege to do so in the privacy of their own homes, and having the windows and doors closed as not to subject any other person to the odour of this substance.
The three levels of government should introduce such clauses into laws dealing with the legalization of marijuana so justice will be served to all Canadians.
B. Oishi, Port Coquitlam
