Subj : before n after
To   : August Abolins
From : George Pope
Date : Tue Feb 01 2022 12:44:58

> In Jan 2021 the building in this picture was up for sale as
> businesses were still struggling to deal with reduced retail
> activity. This is the result under new ownership:
> https://susepaste.org/24974584

This has been the trend all over, where city byelaws allow it.  Richmond here  is strict on it.

But plenty of places to buy in Vancouver, just a 20 minute commuter rapid train ride away for $2.50 fare each way. . .

I've outgrown it, myself. . . but got no beef with those who use, respectfully  of others.

I volunteered with the campaign to get it decriminalised  here in BC; this was  about 5 years ere Truderau legalised it across the board.

I was especially touched by this 92-year-old gent who just HAD to come out &  sign a petition, because he doesn't want his 18yo grabnd-daughter hacving her  entire future wrtecked by one youthful indiscretion with an herb that was  arbitrarily defined as illegal by those who can buy all the top shelf scotch &  bourbon they like.  Well, not so arbitrary -- in Canada it was a cash-grab  attack on the Chinese immigrants.

In the US, it was to keep the 1,000s of police working they had installed  nationwide to fight alcohol -- too much money moving arou8nd to keep them going to just let it all go away, plus W. R. Hearst paid his bribes t protect his  pulpwood forest(millions of acres that would become valueless if hemp is used  for newsprint instead of wod pulp)

Oh well; I was for this legalising, with the same rules for selling & using it  as for alcohol. (no miniors & don't drive while intoxicated)

Here they have strict distancing rules with how near an MJ store can be to  schools of any level, but I remember being 11 & 15 -- & you cam bet that  wouldn't have made a whit of difference to us. Neither would the minium age-19  to buy limit, as any time you have that rule, you have old timers willing to go in for you for a buck or two. . . (or a little thank you indulging after)

I've never used such, but I've known plenty, as a kid & as an adult to know  they're everywhere.

When I was a young teen(early '80s), you could drop me in any town in Canada,&  I could find & buy some then-illegal weed within 10 minutes. (no mobile, no  google)

The USA not so much --  they were stricter about everything, even  tobacco &  alcohol. My RIP happy drunk traveling friend said the only place he could, as a stranger, always & easily find alcohol at 3am was Salt Lake City.

I expect I could, too, if I was so inclined, but I'm never that needing of a  drink to put any effort into finding one.

--- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-5
 * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)

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