As part of our cover story on marijuana legalization in Toronto, we solicited the perspective of three young adults in the city. Their names have been changed.
Alex, 21
How long have you been smoking pot?
Since I was 16 years old. I don’t smoke that often now, but I used to smoke more.
How easy is it for you to access weed?
Very easy — 20 minutes. It’s always been easy.
What’s your opinion on dispensaries?
I think dispensaries are a fine idea — they’re just trying to curb drug dealers — but I think they need to be regulated.
Do you think they will affect the number of kids smoking?
No. In my experience, I’ve never found people to have been put off by it being illegal. If they want it, they’ll find access.
Do you think it’s OK for dispensaries to be close to schools?
I think that’s fine as long as they properly ID people and aren’t letting in children.
Kent, 20
How long have you been smoking pot?
I’ve been smoking weed for about four years and was 16 years old when I first tried it.
How easy is it for you to access weed?
If I were to need it quickly, it would only take a few texts or phone calls to find some within the hour.
What’s your opinion on dispensaries?
I have mixed feelings. I like the idea but think if they’re going to exist they need to be run properly with regulations. Right now you can get medical cards under the table with little effort.
Do you think they will affect the number of kids smoking?
It’s much easier for youth smokers to get their weed by other means. Dispensaries probably aren’t even relevant with how easy it is to find weed in schools or down the road.
Jerry, 23
How long have you been smoking pot?
I started in my first year of university at 18 years old.
How easy is it for you to access weed?
When I was under 19, I knew more people who drank alcohol than smoked marijuana. So for me, alcohol was more easily accessible.
How old do you think you should be to purchase weed from a dispensary?
I think 18. Once you are the age of majority, I believe that you are fit to make your own decisions with regard to recreational drug use.
Do you think they will affect the number of kids smoking?
It’s incredibly easy for teens to buy marijuana illegally. Anyone who wants it can get their hands on it. Legalized and regulated marijuana will only make using safer.
