By Matt Pouncy

Cannabis use at public events still up for debate

Jul 3, 2018 | 5:23 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Kin Coulee Park was the place to be over the weekend to celebrate Canada’s 151st birthday but this celebration could be a little more “green” next year.

The city will have to decide whether it’s going to allow public consumption of pot at outdoor events and festivals.

City Councillor Kris Samraj believes the city should have similar guidelines as to how alcohol is consumed at public events.

“I think the thing we’re trying to strike the balance is we want to give people an opportunity to consume a legal substance but we want to do it in a way that’s mindful of other people enjoying the public space as well,” said Samraj.  “I think we know it’s not like drinking, I mean it does have an odour from the smoke which not a lot of people want to be subjected to.” 

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Samraj says there are by-laws already in place for smoking and vaping in public parks and that should be the same for weed.

Calgary city council recently decided that festivals and events can apply to have fenced off, open-air, cannabis consumption sites that are monitored.

Here in Medicine Hat, many attending Canada Day festivities support the idea of allowing pot in designated areas.

This is what residents had to say about having designated areas.

“Yeah if they have a separate area for them to go off and do their thing, they can do their thing.”

“If it’s legal and people are of age I don’t see that it would be an issue at all.”

“It would be nice if it’s not throughout the crowds and right beside you while watching a show or watching the skate park or whatever, so I guess if you gotta do it it’s nice to have a spot where you can go do it.” 

The city is currently developing bylaws on public consumption which the public service committee will look at.

Samraj is member of that committee and says it will be tricky to find areas that will make everyone happy. 

“Not everybody who drinks will want to smoke weed, not everybody who smokes weed wants to drink, and not everyone who smokes tobacco wants, will want something like that,” said Samraj  “So you almost need three separate areas for three different drugs out there so that’s kinda some of the complicating factors out there.”

Cannabis will be federally legalized on October 17th and Samraj says the city wants to be as ready as it can.

He knows there is a lot of debate around the issue and the city hopes to hear the public’s thoughts before a decision is made.