Legalizing recreational marijuana is causing new hassles for medical marijuana users, according to Kim Cooper, Northern Ontario Cannabis Education and Resources CEO.
This weekend, a solidarity march is raising awareness in Timmins.
The group is meeting at 1 p.m. at Hollinger Park, with the walk starting at 2 p.m.
“Global Marijuana March has been around for over 25 years. It started off over in Europe and it expanded across the globe. Over 35 countries take part across the globe to advance legalization and rights of cannabis consumers in places that do not have legalization as of yet, so it’s a solidarity march,” explained Cooper.
It's the second year the event is being held in town, and it will include chanting at the Timmins Police building and city hall.
“We’re looking forward to another one this year with a larger crowd. We’re looking at between 20 and 50 people hopefully coming out to join us," she said.
Recreational marijuana was legalized in Canada in October 2018.
Cooper noted medical marijuana has been legal for more than 15 years.
"Legalization of recreational cannabis is causing a lot of problems in the patient community such as where we can consume and patients being asked to prove that they’re patients, so we’re presented with a lot of new hassles as well as the taxation of our medicine," she said.
"Legalization has a long way to go in Canada with working out the kinks on how it’s affecting the medical community that has existed peacefully for over 15 years."
Everyone is welcome at Saturday's event.
“Come one, come all. The more the better, even if you’re not a cannabis consumer, patients rights are what’s at stake here and supporters of those rights are absolutely welcome, and we encourage you to come and join us,” she said.
