Discussions

I didn’t want to take over the needle thread so thought I’d start another.  
 
I guess I’m over here shaking my head based on some responses, but I want to be open minded and allow for other opinions to change my mind. So my questions are: why is it up to our government officials to solve the drug problems in our communities? Why do we have to spend tax dollars on people who choose to do drugs? At some point is the onus not on the drug users to make the choice to get clean? We can’t force people to stop using drugs.  
 
Now I’m aware there is a local group trying to bring awareness to this subject and I commend them for that. They want to get a treatment facility and are rallying together as citizens to get that done and I think that’s awesome. But why are we blaming police or politicians? Isn’t it up to community groups to be the change they want to see? Am I just reading misplaced anger on this subject?  
I don’t really agree with clean needle centers either... why willingly give out needles to users? Isn’t an inherent risk of drug use the diseases that could be spread? Why would we spend tax money to help drug users? I feel like we should do our part to make it harder on drug users, not easier. Am I being too mean?  
I’m not trying to be negative, just learn more on the subject and want to hear from other viewpoints respectfully.

The only you way you stop people from doing it is cut it off at the source or not allow it in your country. That is something the federal government has to do. There is to much profit in the drugs trade for it to fail once its here.  
 
I also agree giving out needles is a bad idea. Your enabling the problem, not providing solutions.

Viv said "I didn’t want to take over the needle thread so thought I’d start another.     I guess I’m over here shaking my head based on some responses, but I want to be open minded and allow for other opinions to change my mind. So my questions are: why is it up to our government officials to solve the drug problems in our communities? Why do we have to spend tax dollars on people who choose to do drugs? At some point is the onus not on the drug users to make the choice to get clean? We can’t force people to stop using drugs.     Now I’m aware there is a local group trying to bring awareness to this subject and I commend them for that. They want to get a treatment facility and are rallying together as citizens to get that done and I think that’s awesome. But why are we blaming police or politicians? Isn’t it up to community groups to be the change they want to see? Am I just reading misplaced anger on this subject?   I don’t really agree with clean needle centers either... why willingly give out needles to users? Isn’t an inherent risk of drug use the diseases that could be spread? Why would we spend tax money to help drug users? I feel like we should do our part to make it harder on drug users, not easier. Am I being too mean?   I’m not trying to be negative, just learn more on the subject and want to hear from other viewpoints respectfully. "

Your Question: Why is it up to our government officials to solve the drug problems in our communities?  
 
My Response:Because they make bad decisions like legalizing it so then the drug world has to orchestrate a way to get people hooked on illegal drugs. The government wants to dabble in the world of drug dealing they best be prepared for the fall out.  
 
Your Question: Why do we have to spend tax dollars on people who choose to do drugs?  
 
My Response: Why do we have to spend tax dollars on chemotherapy for a smoker with lung cancer who continues to smoke while they are getting treatment. At some some point is the onus not on the smoker to make the choice to stop smoking? We can’t force smokers to stop smoking.  
 
Your Question: But why are we blaming police or politicians?  
 
My Response: Because they make bad decisions like legalizing it so then the drug world has to orchestrate a way to get people hooked on illegal drugs. They want to dabble in the world of drug dealing they best be prepared for the fall out.  
 
Your Question: Isn’t it up to community groups to be the change they want to see?  
 
My Response: Service groups didn’t ask for the extra burden of meth in their community. Why should THEY be responsible for the fall out of the drug dealing that the government wants to participate in?  
 
Your Question: Am I just reading misplaced anger on this subject?  
 
My Response: You’re not reading misplaced anger. You are reading the facts. Facts scare people.  
 
Your Question: Why willingly give out needles to users?  
 
My Response: Why willingly give out out chemo to smokers who continue to smoke while receiving chemo?  
 
Your Question: Isn’t an inherent risk of drug use the diseases that could be spread?  
 
My Response: Isn’t the inherent risk of smoking that cancer will spread?  
 
Your Question: Why would we spend tax money to help drug users?  
 
My Response: Why would we spend tax money to help smokers?  
 
Your Comment: I feel like we should do our part to make it harder on drug users, not easier. Am I being too mean?  
 
My Response:I think we should do our part to make it harder on smokers, not easier. Am I making sense?  
 
Your Comment: I’m not trying to be negative, just learn more on the subject and want to hear from other viewpoints respectfully.  
 
My Response: I hope you have learned a bit more on the subject and will respect my viewpoint as I have shared it with you.

Hey Viv I sent you a pm on a different topic a few weeks ago.

Its so adorable that you are comparing pot to meth. Do some research sweetheart as you clearly don''t know what is what.  
 
Pot has been shown to have many medicinal purposes and sure recreation users are not smoking dope for that. It can help with anxiety or sleep issues too though which are technically medically related.  
 
Meth has absolutely 0 purpose ever. There is no medicinal benefits, it does the complete polar opposite and ruins the body from the first hit.  
 
You cant run your mouth saying the government is just legalizing all the drugs when you really mean they are legalizing pot.  
 
You entire argument is based around smokers. You didn't bring up any points regarding the questions the OP asked, you basically said ya well smokers do it. Smokers get this. So people shooting heroin and meth into them selves should too.  
 
You provided no facts and no logical argument to answer any of the questions, you brushed it off onto the fact that smokers get medical services provided. While I do see what you are saying, you didn't help at all in furthering this discussion.  
 
Edited by Suckie, 2018-04-26 08:33:29

In responsive to the question of why we need to spend tax dollars on people who use drugs I have this to offer. Because it will be cheaper in the long run. While visiting the hospital a few weeks ago, the emergency was over run with people who were clearly high.Paramedics were bringing in people who were high, needed help of some sort due to drug use, and in cases had given Narcan. There is a floor at the Brandon Hospital for detox. Detox from drugs or alcohol. It's a cycle. Overdose, be given Narcan, brought to the hospital, spend time in ER until you are "safe" to go the detox ward, detox for a few days (sometimes with either a drug or alcohol drip to do a slow detox) and sent on there way. Sometimes within 24 hours the cycle for the same person starts again. If we could offer long term solutions for addicts it would cost less in the long run and stop tying up our health care resources.  
 
I don't think its just the politicians that need to do this, it is community groups, regular citizens of each community. Remember our community is what we make it. We can shake our heads at the addicts and hold the line of you choose to do this, and the problem only gets bigger. Also, try to remember most drug users didn't try there first drug thinking hey I'd like to spend my life as an addict. Most users are using to not have to deal with something, that could be sexual assault, abusive homelife, untreated mental illness, etc.  
 
Also, remember this isn't just a Brandon issue. It's everywhere.

Orion's-Belt said "Hey Viv I sent you a pm on a different topic a few weeks ago. "

Sorry I only use the app so never see messages. Sent you a response

I respectfully encourage folks in Westman to educate themselves on all aspects of this trauma crisis.  
There is a public harm reduction session being hosted by PMH with volunteers from Westman Families of Addicts at the Vic Inn on May 10th from 6:30-8:30.  
People do not choose to be addicts, or have underlying mental health issues.  
Many of us have smoked cannabis, drank alcohol, and are not addicts. What do you suppose is the defining difference? It is not choice.  
The problem is the lack of treatment and support in Westman in the midst of this trauma/meth crisis. You get cancer you go to cancer care, you break your arm you go to the cast clinic, you have mental health issues you go to CAP etc. Where do you go when you are BEGGING for help with drug addiction? There is no detox (contrary to earlier post there is NO drug detox at our hospital-it is alcohol only), nor is there anything longer than the 21 day program at AFM which has a long waiting list, and is notoriously ineffective dealing with drugs (through no fault of the staff).  
I do not think blaming anyone is the answer. I think everyone coming together ie: police, city council, gov''t, groups like Westman Family of Addicts, PMH, and concerned citizens is the answer: combined with education and awareness. This is a community issue, and it crosses all cultural and socioeconomic boundaries. No one is immune.  
If it was that easy to quit then no one would be suffering from any addictions. What is important is to ask "why the trauma, not why the addiction." Read or watch some Dr. Gabor Mate.  
One of the great things about SIS is that they allow for the opportunity to make a connection and education that would otherwise never happen. They prevent a huge burden to the medical system with preventative medicine: much in the same way giving out condoms prevents teen pregnancy and spread of STI''s.  
 
Finally, I don''t think you are being "mean". I think you are uneducated on this topic, and that is ok if you are willing to listen, and change that up. What bothers me is some of the ignorant posters on the other thread mainly that have all these preconceived notions, but clearly no clue.  
 
I encourage you to come out to the harm reduction session, and feel free to PM if you want to talk, and lastly Westman Family of Addicts has a goFundme set up if you would like to make a donation to further this very topic, and clean up our community!  
 
Have a great day...  
 
Edited by puddles, 2018-04-26 08:39:34

HoHoHeHo said "    Viv said "I didn’t want to take over the needle thread so thought I’d start another.     I guess I’m over here shaking my head based on some responses, but I want to be open minded and allow for other opinions to change my mind. So my questions are: why is it up to our government officials to solve the drug problems in our communities? Why do we have to spend tax dollars on people who choose to do drugs? At some point is the onus not on the drug users to make the choice to get clean? We can’t force people to stop using drugs.     Now I’m aware there is a local group trying to bring awareness to this subject and I commend them for that. They want to get a treatment facility and are rallying together as citizens to get that done and I think that’s awesome. But why are we blaming police or politicians? Isn’t it up to community groups to be the change they want to see? Am I just reading misplaced anger on this subject?   I don’t really agree with clean needle centers either... why willingly give out needles to users? Isn’t an inherent risk of drug use the diseases that could be spread? Why would we spend tax money to help drug users? I feel like we should do our part to make it harder on drug users, not easier. Am I being too mean?   I’m not trying to be negative, just learn more on the subject and want to hear from other viewpoints respectfully. " Your Question: Why is it up to our government officials to solve the drug problems in our communities?     My Response:Because they make bad decisions like legalizing it so then the drug world has to orchestrate a way to get people hooked on illegal drugs. The government wants to dabble in the world of drug dealing they best be prepared for the fall out.     Your Question: Why do we have to spend tax dollars on people who choose to do drugs?     My Response: Why do we have to spend tax dollars on chemotherapy for a smoker with lung cancer who continues to smoke while they are getting treatment. At some some point is the onus not on the smoker to make the choice to stop smoking? We can’t force smokers to stop smoking.     Your Question: But why are we blaming police or politicians?     My Response: Because they make bad decisions like legalizing it so then the drug world has to orchestrate a way to get people hooked on illegal drugs. They want to dabble in the world of drug dealing they best be prepared for the fall out.     Your Question: Isn’t it up to community groups to be the change they want to see?     My Response: Service groups didn’t ask for the extra burden of meth in their community. Why should THEY be responsible for the fall out of the drug dealing that the government wants to participate in?     Your Question: Am I just reading misplaced anger on this subject?     My Response: You’re not reading misplaced anger. You are reading the facts. Facts scare people.     Your Question: Why willingly give out needles to users?     My Response: Why willingly give out out chemo to smokers who continue to smoke while receiving chemo?     Your Question: Isn’t an inherent risk of drug use the diseases that could be spread?     My Response: Isn’t the inherent risk of smoking that cancer will spread?     Your Question: Why would we spend tax money to help drug users?     My Response: Why would we spend tax money to help smokers?     Your Comment: I feel like we should do our part to make it harder on drug users, not easier. Am I being too mean?     My Response:I think we should do our part to make it harder on smokers, not easier. Am I making sense?     Your Comment: I’m not trying to be negative, just learn more on the subject and want to hear from other viewpoints respectfully.     My Response: I hope you have learned a bit more on the subject and will respect my viewpoint as I have shared it with you. "

Meth, cocaine, heroin were not legal!  
 
To me the only safe injection site for drugs is the hospital under a doctor's care!

puddles said "I respectfully encourage folks in Westman to educate themselves on all aspects of this trauma crisis.   There is a public harm reduction session being hosted by PMH with volunteers from Westman Families of Addicts at the Vic Inn on May 10th from 6:30-8:30.   People do not choose to be addicts, or have underlying mental health issues.   Many of us have smoked cannabis, drank alcohol, and are not addicts. What do you suppose is the defining difference? It is not choice.   The problem is the lack of treatment and support in Westman in the midst of this trauma/meth crisis. You get cancer you go to cancer care, you break your arm you go to the cast clinic, you have mental health issues you go to CAP etc. Where do you go when you are BEGGING for help with drug addiction? There is no detox (contrary to earlier post there is NO drug detox at our hospital-it is alcohol only), nor is there anything longer than the 21 day program at AFM which has a long waiting list, and is notoriously ineffective dealing with drugs (through no fault of the staff).   I do not think blaming anyone is the answer. I think everyone coming together ie: police, city council, gov''t, groups like Westman Family of Addicts, PMH, and concerned citizens is the answer: combined with education and awareness. This is a community issue, and it crosses all cultural and socioeconomic boundaries. No one is immune.   If it was that easy to quit then no one would be suffering from any addictions. What is important is to ask "why the trauma, not why the addiction." Read or watch some Dr. Gabor Mate.   One of the great things about SIS is that they allow for the opportunity to make a connection and education that would otherwise never happen. They prevent a huge burden to the medical system with preventative medicine: much in the same way giving out condoms prevents teen pregnancy and spread of STI''s.     Finally, I don''t think you are being "mean". I think you are uneducated on this topic, and that is ok if you are willing to listen, and change that up. What bothers me is some of the ignorant posters on the other thread mainly that have all these preconceived notions, but clearly no clue.     I encourage you to come out to the harm reduction session, and feel free to PM if you want to talk, and lastly Westman Family of Addicts has a goFundme set up if you would like to make a donation to further this very topic, and clean up our community!     Have a great day...     Edited by puddles, 2018-04-26 08:39:34"

for your response! Not only is it factually accurate but it addresses some key misunderstandings associated with the drug problem in our community.

Where do a lot of these drug addictions start with? That is where you need to try and stop. I was very anti-marijuana up until recently. Sometimes it’s the doctors that create the drug problem. Yes that is exactly true. I have 2 family members who were given some strong drugs through their doctor. Oxy being one. This created some major issues over time. Doctors just keep giving more regardless of dependence/abuse. Medical marijuana has extremely helped both family members get off the pres:cription drugs and get their lives back.

I will try and give my nickel of opinion and won’t answer a question with a question. I have no idea what smoking answers have to do with drug use as that is a whole different thread as taxes collected on alcohol and tobacco are over 16 billion dollars, no taxes collected on meth.  
 
My thoughts about the increased drug use are that we are becoming more aware of it through media. Now how many people have seen the thread about the needles on Pacific Ave? One jogger would tell a handful. We have media where you can have 20 thousand people now telling their circle of friends. What I hate is if something isn’t in your face it isn’t a problem. When I first moved to Manitoba from Alberta 18 years ago I came from a town that had a huge meth problem. I called Crocus, the Brandon Police department, etc. to offer telling my story to kids and what not as back then it was talked about in schools but the problem was not as big of a scale as it is now. I was denied my services as I was no health care professional so who am I to know anything. I went to the school drug meetings for parents back then; the information given out was so off the wall I couldn’t believe it. Nothing was ever explained about the behaviour of users, tools they used to do the drug, etc. Was told to look for certain chemicals and be aware of smells in the area for potential drug labs…..really? I have a better chance finding a drug user next door than a drug lab.  
 
It isn’t up to the government to solve the issues. Pretty sure what the government wants is someone/agency to come forward and take on the role of prevention and the government issues an operating grant of some sort. The government isn’t legalizing drugs like methamphetamine it is legalizing marijuana which we can do another whole debate on that subject I am sure on the pros and cons. Even if the government did legalize it if they can follow places like Portugal that decriminalized hard drugs and the usage went down. The government already deals in drugs, lots and lots of prescription drugs, which have the same bad addition potentials as meth.  
 
If we don’t spend money on people who do drugs there is only the potential to get worse and cost more in hospital and police services in the long run. We offer help to all areas of health care, drug treatment is a real lacking department. Nobody that I have ever known has woken up and said they were going to become a drug addict. When someone tries drugs they are usually in a situation where another drug was involved. From personal experience my meth addition started out when drinking at a bar. My mind wasn’t in a clear state and voila…I was in a world free from life blah blah blah. Rough 7 years later and lots of falling off the wagon I finally stayed on. My journey of recovery (21 years and counting) could have been shortened by having a rehab program away from everything. It would be nice to have a rehab ranch or something like that to isolate you from the triggers that make you want the drug. 21 day programs only detox your body. From there you need the support to detox your mind and train your mind to follow a different path in life.  
 
By having safe injection sites and giving out fresh needles would reduce the risk of finding needles in places where they have to hide to do the drug. It prevents the chance of spreading blood transferring diseases by sharing needles. Also it gives supervision and a chance to talk with someone about their addiction and possibly get some help. You would be surprised about the amount of hospital beds that addicts from overdoses take up. It is a small cost to society compared to the cost of the bigger picture. Funny how people use the term it takes a village to raise a child. Why would it stop when they become an adult? There is also a term to help your fellow man. Community groups are an easy assist because they are usually involved in the areas with people who are addicts. It would be easier to fund a community group to set up injection sites, maybe hire a couple/few nurses and councillors, give needles free, etc. With government taking it on we would need a whole new government department to deal with drugs, then hire staff, find a building, etc. So instead of half dozen people helping those in need we now have dozens of employees and buildings expensed for a handful of workers to help those in need. You can’t make things any harder for a drug addict. They have probably lost everything already, lost confidence in them self, and feel worthless to society. Help the users, take away the need in the community; you get rid of the dealers.

Johnbisonbear said "    HoHoHeHo said "    Viv said "I didn’t want to take over the needle thread so thought I’d start another.     I guess I’m over here shaking my head based on some responses, but I want to be open minded and allow for other opinions to change my mind. So my questions are: why is it up to our government officials to solve the drug problems in our communities? Why do we have to spend tax dollars on people who choose to do drugs? At some point is the onus not on the drug users to make the choice to get clean? We can’t force people to stop using drugs.     Now I’m aware there is a local group trying to bring awareness to this subject and I commend them for that. They want to get a treatment facility and are rallying together as citizens to get that done and I think that’s awesome. But why are we blaming police or politicians? Isn’t it up to community groups to be the change they want to see? Am I just reading misplaced anger on this subject?   I don’t really agree with clean needle centers either... why willingly give out needles to users? Isn’t an inherent risk of drug use the diseases that could be spread? Why would we spend tax money to help drug users? I feel like we should do our part to make it harder on drug users, not easier. Am I being too mean?   I’m not trying to be negative, just learn more on the subject and want to hear from other viewpoints respectfully. " Your Question: Why is it up to our government officials to solve the drug problems in our communities?     My Response:Because they make bad decisions like legalizing it so then the drug world has to orchestrate a way to get people hooked on illegal drugs. The government wants to dabble in the world of drug dealing they best be prepared for the fall out.     Your Question: Why do we have to spend tax dollars on people who choose to do drugs?     My Response: Why do we have to spend tax dollars on chemotherapy for a smoker with lung cancer who continues to smoke while they are getting treatment. At some some point is the onus not on the smoker to make the choice to stop smoking? We can’t force smokers to stop smoking.     Your Question: But why are we blaming police or politicians?     My Response: Because they make bad decisions like legalizing it so then the drug world has to orchestrate a way to get people hooked on illegal drugs. They want to dabble in the world of drug dealing they best be prepared for the fall out.     Your Question: Isn’t it up to community groups to be the change they want to see?     My Response: Service groups didn’t ask for the extra burden of meth in their community. Why should THEY be responsible for the fall out of the drug dealing that the government wants to participate in?     Your Question: Am I just reading misplaced anger on this subject?     My Response: You’re not reading misplaced anger. You are reading the facts. Facts scare people.     Your Question: Why willingly give out needles to users?     My Response: Why willingly give out out chemo to smokers who continue to smoke while receiving chemo?     Your Question: Isn’t an inherent risk of drug use the diseases that could be spread?     My Response: Isn’t the inherent risk of smoking that cancer will spread?     Your Question: Why would we spend tax money to help drug users?     My Response: Why would we spend tax money to help smokers?     Your Comment: I feel like we should do our part to make it harder on drug users, not easier. Am I being too mean?     My Response:I think we should do our part to make it harder on smokers, not easier. Am I making sense?     Your Comment: I’m not trying to be negative, just learn more on the subject and want to hear from other viewpoints respectfully.     My Response: I hope you have learned a bit more on the subject and will respect my viewpoint as I have shared it with you. " Meth, cocaine, heroin were not legal!     To me the only safe injection site for drugs is the hospital under a doctor's care! "

I don't agree with JBB on a lot of things, but I do here. Both tobacco and alcohol are legal, taxed up the wazoo, and taxpayer money is used for the treatment of those users who have become addicted. Two other things to note: crystal meth has been a problem in Brandon since well before Trudeau Junior even considered running for office, and there's a number of states in the US which have growling meth problems that have no plans to legalize pot.

BOB Headquarters was awarded one of the legalization distribution licenses, and being a responsible businessman, and life long member of Westman, as well as caring for the community; BOB is donating a portion of cannabis sales proceeds to Westman Families of Addicts to further educate consumers and the public to make aware the consequences both positive and/or negative of any drug use.  
Kudos to Bob and his organization!

I completely and whole heartedly agree with Fishin Guy's post. Until you've walked a mile in the shoes of a drug addict, it's difficult to understand what's at stake. Throwing addicts in prison is not the answer. Treatment is a long process. It's very difficult for people to even admit their addiction, yet alone seek out help. And treatment isn't exactly the most lucrative business out there, so the Government/taxpayer is left with filling a very large need.

pinkflamingos said "I have a different type of response for the original post, because it's clear you've rejected the fact that addiction is a mental health issue and not a choice: because we have socialized healthcare, it only makes sense that we should want a healthy populace. Both in terms of funding and our country's social dynamic. If we are going to spend money treating the lung cancer of the people who choose to smoke, or the type two diabetes of the people who choose to overeat, we need to take care of the people who make other bad decisions too.     I personally do not believe that drug addiction is as simple as some people make crap decisions and some don't. But even if you do, we are not an 'every man for himself' country. "

Your response really changes how I feel about it. I’m glad I started this thread. I didn’t look at it as a mental health problem. I guess I’ve been looking at mental health problems more superficially and not as the cause. Your last statement hits home. In Canada, we help each other.  
Thank you

One thing that has always boggled my brain is the fact that I could name a hand full of local drug dealers that have been in the business with many years without being caught. Brandon isnt that big, the local police have got to know who is doing what. Whats worse is when they finally do catch someone, the charges get dropped.  
 
Remember the big drug bust back in 2014? Police caught local guys with $2 Million dollars worth of drugs & charges where dropped! That's a complete waste of time and money.  
 
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/charges-stayed-after-massive-drug-bust-282675911.html

puddles said "BOB Headquarters was awarded one of the legalization distribution licenses, and being a responsible businessman, and life long member of Westman, as well as caring for the community; BOB is donating a portion of cannabis sales proceeds to Westman Families of Addicts to further educate consumers and the public to make aware the consequences both positive and/or negative of any drug use.   Kudos to Bob and his organization! "

is putting their money where their mouth is!  
 
On another note, did anyone watch Grey`s Anatomy last week? The doctors and nurses had ate some cookies with pot by accident. The fallout from being stoned were disgusting. How can anyone is their right mind want to act that stupid when stoned? Not me!

Johnbisonbear said "    puddles said "BOB Headquarters was awarded one of the legalization distribution licenses, and being a responsible businessman, and life long member of Westman, as well as caring for the community; BOB is donating a portion of cannabis sales proceeds to Westman Families of Addicts to further educate consumers and the public to make aware the consequences both positive and/or negative of any drug use.   Kudos to Bob and his organization! " is putting their money where their mouth is!     On another note, did anyone watch Grey`s Anatomy last week? The doctors and nurses had ate some cookies with pot by accident. The fallout from being stoned were disgusting. How can anyone is their right mind want to act that stupid when stoned? Not me! "

I watched a quick youtube commercial regarding the show. This is what I hate about media and drug use. I have never in my life encountered anyone acting like that by either smoking or eating it. It is a stupid portrait of what they are intended to do. People watch this crap and think this is the true way people will act on it.

Fishin Guy said "    Johnbisonbear said "    puddles said "BOB Headquarters was awarded one of the legalization distribution licenses, and being a responsible businessman, and life long member of Westman, as well as caring for the community; BOB is donating a portion of cannabis sales proceeds to Westman Families of Addicts to further educate consumers and the public to make aware the consequences both positive and/or negative of any drug use.   Kudos to Bob and his organization! " is putting their money where their mouth is!     On another note, did anyone watch Grey`s Anatomy last week? The doctors and nurses had ate some cookies with pot by accident. The fallout from being stoned were disgusting. How can anyone is their right mind want to act that stupid when stoned? Not me! " I watched a quick youtube commercial regarding the show. This is what I hate about media and drug use. I have never in my life encountered anyone acting like that by either smoking or eating it. It is a stupid portrait of what they are intended to do. People watch this crap and think this is the true way people will act on it. "

that I don't know how MJ would affect me! The only time I tried it and it was years ago I giggled for about five minutes and thought 'screw this, where's the beer', because basically it didn't do much for me.  
 
I'm going to PM you.

Alcohol is considered a substance and it is the most widely used drug out there that is legal and it triggers people with past heavy drug use to use again, its a trigger to smoke, its a trigger for another beer and another one after that. alcohol is the most destructive thing on the planet literally speaking, alcohol is a flammable liquid gas that we as humans claiming we are intelligent drink. Now tell me why the government makes this legal: MONEY as to why they are also controlling the marijuana distribution through The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corp. Money and Control people! There is nothingwe can do about peoples choices! But the gov. sure doesnt support people who are addicts! they make  
money off them!! so be addicted as much as you want our gov. doesnt care!!  
 
Look at the definition of alcohol people:  
ethyl alcohol  
a colorless volatile flammable liquid that is produced by the natural fermentation of sugars and is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as FUEL  
 
Edited by TinyHouses, 2018-04-27 00:03:02

of these discussions is that people are talking about the issues facing our community, our province, our nation. That's a good thing.  
 
Each opinion is an important piece of the discussion regardless of which side of the fence you are on or how you feel about it. Things get done when people talk, share, and seek solutions.  
 
Our current government has decided to dabble in the drug world as a drug dealer. Yes, it is only marijauna not other drugs, but they are stepping into an arena that they aren't fully prepared for.  
 
Organized crime is not interested in having the government deal drugs alongside them. What we are feeling is the backlash of organized crime making their point. "You want marijuana, you can have marijuana. We'll ramp up the sales of meth in communities to ensure we still keep people buying street drugs. Now deal with that while we carry on our merry way?"  
 
Since our government has decided to stir the bees nest and become a drug dealer they should deal with the consequences of that decision.  
 
Meth wasn't a problem. Meth is now a problem. Marijuana was not legal, marijuana is going to be legal. If you look at the situation from 30,000 feet it will become clear.  
 
So, at the end of the day. Our current governments...Federal, Provincial, and Municipal, better get it figured out. They should have been working closer with organized crime as they currently do on many things to make sure they weren't ticking off the wrong people.  
 
It's always bigger than ourselves people. Always.

...of these discussions is that people are talking about the issues facing our community, our province, our nation. That's a good thing.  
 
Each opinion is an important piece of the discussion regardless of which side of the fence you are on or how you feel about it. Things get done when people talk, share, and seek solutions.  
 
Our current government has decided to dabble in the drug world as a drug dealer. Yes, it is only marijauna not other drugs, but they are stepping into an arena that they aren't fully prepared for.  
 
Organized crime is not interested in having the government deal drugs alongside them. What we are feeling is the backlash of organized crime making their point. "You want marijuana, you can have marijuana. We'll ramp up the sales of meth in communities to ensure we still keep people buying street drugs. Now deal with that while we carry on our merry way?"  
 
Since our government has decided to stir the bees nest and become a drug dealer they should deal with the consequences of that decision.  
 
Meth wasn't a problem. Meth is now a problem. Marijuana was not legal, marijuana is going to be legal. If you look at the situation from 30,000 feet it will become clear.  
 
So, at the end of the day. Our current governments...Federal, Provincial, and Municipal, better get it figured out. They should have been working closer with organized crime as they currently do on many things to make sure they weren't ticking off the wrong people.  
 
It's always bigger than ourselves people. Always.

MichaelP said "One thing that has always boggled my brain is the fact that I could name a hand full of local drug dealers that have been in the business with many years without being caught. Brandon isnt that big, the local police have got to know who is doing what. Whats worse is when they finally do catch someone, the charges get dropped.     Remember the big drug bust back in 2014? Police caught local guys with $2 Million dollars worth of drugs & charges where dropped! That's a complete waste of time and money.     https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/charges-stayed-after-massive-drug-bust-282675911.html "

Poor policing?? You're joking right? Its not the police that let Mr. Venn off its our pathetic justice system.  
 
Also you know a handful of drug dealers in Brandon??? Might be time to find some better friends...

Ms.Daisy said "    MichaelP said "One thing that has always boggled my brain is the fact that I could name a hand full of local drug dealers that have been in the business with many years without being caught. Brandon isnt that big, the local police have got to know who is doing what. Whats worse is when they finally do catch someone, the charges get dropped.     Remember the big drug bust back in 2014? Police caught local guys with $2 Million dollars worth of drugs & charges where dropped! That's a complete waste of time and money.     https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/charges-stayed-after-massive-drug-bust-282675911.html " Poor policing?? You're joking right? Its not the police that let Mr. Venn off its our pathetic justice system.     Also you know a handful of drug dealers in Brandon??? Might be time to find some better friends... "

It is the police's job to build a case and bring forth concrete evidence to the courts. I know for a fact the police had been watching the accused for a very long time. The evidence wasn't solid enough in court and that's why the charges where dropped. That is not any judges or lawyers fault. It is a fault that lies with the people investigating the suspects & that would be the police. So don't try with the poor justice system excuse.  
 
Who said they where my friends? Brandon isn't very big, and when you have a social lifestyle its not hard to find out whos doing what. I'm willing to bet that I'm not the only one on this forum who knows a dealer or two.

HoHoHeHo said "...of these discussions is that people are talking about the issues facing our community, our province, our nation. That's a good thing.     Each opinion is an important piece of the discussion regardless of which side of the fence you are on or how you feel about it. Things get done when people talk, share, and seek solutions.     Our current government has decided to dabble in the drug world as a drug dealer. Yes, it is only marijauna not other drugs, but they are stepping into an arena that they aren't fully prepared for.     Organized crime is not interested in having the government deal drugs alongside them. What we are feeling is the backlash of organized crime making their point. "You want marijuana, you can have marijuana. We'll ramp up the sales of meth in communities to ensure we still keep people buying street drugs. Now deal with that while we carry on our merry way?"     Since our government has decided to stir the bees nest and become a drug dealer they should deal with the consequences of that decision.     Meth wasn't a problem. Meth is now a problem. Marijuana was not legal, marijuana is going to be legal. If you look at the situation from 30,000 feet it will become clear.     So, at the end of the day. Our current governments...Federal, Provincial, and Municipal, better get it figured out. They should have been working closer with organized crime as they currently do on many things to make sure they weren't ticking off the wrong people.     It's always bigger than ourselves people. Always. "

You honestly think there is some conspiracy going on regarding government legalization of pot and meth use? Organized crime is getting back at the government? Do a quick Google search on meth use increase and you will find it has been on the rise way before the thought of pot being legal. OMG that was a good chuckle for this morning. Look at 30,000 feet to be clear? Too early for it this morning. We are in the center of Canada. It takes a little longer for problems to reach us. Drugs start at ports of entry and work their way inward. We are far from entry points. We have just hit a tipping point on the constant increase where we now say it is a problem. Meth is like rabbit breeding. You have one or two..no harm. 7,8,9,10...ok we raise an eyebrow....50,80,100...holly smokes this is starting to be a problem.

MichaelP said "    Ms.Daisy said "    MichaelP said "One thing that has always boggled my brain is the fact that I could name a hand full of local drug dealers that have been in the business with many years without being caught. Brandon isnt that big, the local police have got to know who is doing what. Whats worse is when they finally do catch someone, the charges get dropped.     Remember the big drug bust back in 2014? Police caught local guys with $2 Million dollars worth of drugs & charges where dropped! That's a complete waste of time and money.     https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/charges-stayed-after-massive-drug-bust-282675911.html " Poor policing?? You're joking right? Its not the police that let Mr. Venn off its our pathetic justice system.     Also you know a handful of drug dealers in Brandon??? Might be time to find some better friends... " It is the police's job to build a case and bring forth concrete evidence to the courts. I know for a fact the police had been watching the accused for a very long time. The evidence wasn't solid enough in court and that's why the charges where dropped. That is not any judges or lawyers fault. It is a fault that lies with the people investigating the suspects & that would be the police. So don't try with the poor justice system excuse.     Who said they where my friends? Brandon isn't very big, and when you have a social lifestyle its not hard to find out whos doing what. I'm willing to bet that I'm not the only one on this forum who knows a dealer or two. "

Oh I am sure there are lots that know a dealer or two. I will give you that one. But you know a whole handful. You must be quite the social butterfly!

Fishin Guy said "    HoHoHeHo said "...of these discussions is that people are talking about the issues facing our community, our province, our nation. That's a good thing.     Each opinion is an important piece of the discussion regardless of which side of the fence you are on or how you feel about it. Things get done when people talk, share, and seek solutions.     Our current government has decided to dabble in the drug world as a drug dealer. Yes, it is only marijauna not other drugs, but they are stepping into an arena that they aren't fully prepared for.     Organized crime is not interested in having the government deal drugs alongside them. What we are feeling is the backlash of organized crime making their point. "You want marijuana, you can have marijuana. We'll ramp up the sales of meth in communities to ensure we still keep people buying street drugs. Now deal with that while we carry on our merry way?"     Since our government has decided to stir the bees nest and become a drug dealer they should deal with the consequences of that decision.     Meth wasn't a problem. Meth is now a problem. Marijuana was not legal, marijuana is going to be legal. If you look at the situation from 30,000 feet it will become clear.     So, at the end of the day. Our current governments...Federal, Provincial, and Municipal, better get it figured out. They should have been working closer with organized crime as they currently do on many things to make sure they weren't ticking off the wrong people.     It's always bigger than ourselves people. Always. " You honestly think there is some conspiracy going on regarding government legalization of pot and meth use? Organized crime is getting back at the government? Do a quick Google search on meth use increase and you will find it has been on the rise way before the thought of pot being legal. OMG that was a good chuckle for this morning. Look at 30,000 feet to be clear? Too early for it this morning. We are in the center of Canada. It takes a little longer for problems to reach us. Drugs start at ports of entry and work their way inward. We are far from entry points. We have just hit a tipping point on the constant increase where we now say it is a problem. Meth is like rabbit breeding. You have one or two..no harm. 7,8,9,10...ok we raise an eyebrow....50,80,100...holly smokes this is starting to be a problem. "

Fishin Guy.  
 
In my many decades on this earth I've learned one thing for sure. It's never what you think you know it's WHO you know.  
 
I don't get my information from the internet. I get it from the horse's mouth.  
 
Our community in the middle of nowhere and is the perfect spot to catch a community off guard. Your naiveness and that of others is exactly what is being preyed upon.  
 
It's not a conspiracy. It's just business.

Im with Fishing Guy on this one. People that are truly addicted to drugs tend to build a tolerance to a certain drug, then find the next thing to give them the high. Im 100% happy the federal government has decided to make pot legal. Finally people will be able to have quick and easy access to regulated marijuana. Now people wont have to buy off the black market and change it being laced with something lethal.  
 
Vancouver has had a meth & opioid drug problem for many years because it was so easily available, its just now finally making its way here. You think that because the feds decided to legalize pot drugs dealers are now only pushing their products in MB? Its called selling your product to the market, and MB is now starting to become a market & not because of pot, but because people are bored, need something new, & its cheap.  
 
You say our government has decided to dabble in "drug dealing"... Where you born yesterday? The government has always been in the business of drug dealing. Just because its called "Pharmaceutical drugs" doesn't make them good drugs.

MichaelP said "Im with Fishing Guy on this one. People that are truly addicted to drugs tend to build a tolerance to a certain drug, then find the next thing to give them the high. Im 100% happy the federal government has decided to make pot legal. Finally people will be able to have quick and easy access to regulated marijuana. Now people wont have to buy off the black market and change it being laced with something lethal.     Vancouver has had a meth & opioid drug problem for many years because it was so easily available, its just now finally making its way here. You think that because the feds decided to legalize pot drugs dealers are now only pushing their products in MB? Its called selling your product to the market, and MB is now starting to become a market & not because of pot, but because people are bored, need something new, & its cheap.     You say our government has decided to dabble in "drug dealing"... Where you born yesterday? The government has always been in the business of drug dealing. Just because its called "Pharmaceutical drugs" doesn't make them good drugs. "

Best part of these discussions is that people are talking about the issues facing our community, our province, our nation. That's a good thing.  
 
Each opinion is an important piece of the discussion regardless of which side of the fence you are on or how you feel about it. Things get done when people talk, share, and seek solutions.  
 
Like everyone else, I am entitled to my own opinions, doesn't mean I was born yesterday, just that I have something to say whether it's agreed to or not.  
 
Note that I haven't been making fun or insulting anyone for their opinions. I like that people can share their thoughts. Just never could understand the need to condescend to others when I didn't agree.