Our forefathers must be rolling over in their graves seeing the legalization of marijuana, illicit drugs and alcohol consumption on public beaches.
“What is the world coming to?” many old-timers are no doubt exclaiming from their armchairs while watching reruns of All in the Family.
The answer is change.
At first many people balked at legalizing cannabis, saying it would lead to all kinds of social chaos. But it hasn’t, last time I checked. Granted, I have seen many youth addicted to this substance; not able to focus on a daily basis until they’ve had another “hit” from their bong.
If it’s no “weed”, it’s vaping, which brings another concern to the table, according to many healthcare professionals.
These days marijuana is not being used merely to reach euphoria but to address medical ailments suffered by countless people in this country. I’ve never tried it and likely never will, but if my doctor recommended it for a malady, I might take him up on that.
Not having a personal connection with illicit drugs such as opioids, it’s hard to fully support their decriminalization in BC. The thought of people bring allowed to carry 2.5 grams of heroin, cocaine or ecstasy without consequence would have shocked everyone 10 years ago, likely prompting protest. But like Bob Dylan belted out, the times they are a-changin’.
Many people, but not all, now understand the reasoning behind decriminalization in the wake of the toxic drug crisis. Perhaps if I had a son or daughter die from an overdose that would change my stance.
The fact is stigma prevents people from accessing life-saving services, so one has to consider that in this nation-wide tragedy. Attitudes have taken on a significant transformation, turning substance use from a criminal justice issue into a public health issue.
Turning to alcohol on beaches, Penticton has already approved the consumption of alcoholic drinks on Okanagan Beach, and the District of Summerland is now considering a similar move.
I share the argument that open alcohol has no place on public beaches where families with young children congregate. There is too much risk and liability allowing people to drink to their heart’s content in such public venues. All it takes is too much alcohol for someone to lose their inhibitions and become out of control, putting beachgoers’ safety at risk.
The RCMP have enough on their hands than to worry about intoxicated people kicking sand in your face while chugging back a cold one.
