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OPH wants to ban marijuana in or near multi-unit residences
I just heard of Ottawa Public Health's (OPH) recommendations to the Province with regards to banning the smoking OR vaping of marijuana inside, on the balcony, or "nearby" multi-unit residences. I realize this is a divisive issue and I believe that health concerns should be carefully balanced with realistic logic and the right of people to engage in a soon-to-be legal recreational activity.
Personally, I think that smoking inside should be banned. That is a no-brainer. Vaping is another matter. If good scientific evidence can be provided that any second hand byproduct of vaping causes adverse health effects to people not even in the vicinity of the usage, then I will agree with OPH. With regards to the balcony issue, OK I can't deny that some of the smoke might enter other peoples' units via the window, or that burning embers are a fire concern. But let's also be realistic that marijuana is not going away, in fact, it will be more available than ever, and it will have to be used somewhere! Are people expected to drive out to the country for a smoke? Driving and smoking is also banned so that's out. Banning smoking "nearby" a multi-unit residence would effectively ban it from the entire city core. And kicking tens of thousands of residents out of their homes does not seem logical either.
One last comment: A 14 year old girl just died from drinking an alcohol energy drink called FUK’D UP which is geared towards kids. And there are places in the city where people can now shoot up without fear. Let's put things in perspective.
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