Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Rise of Big Cannabis on Shaw TV

The Rise of Big Cannabis Symposium that I recently aired on Shaw TV in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Swift Current stations. The first airing was this weekend on March 19th @ 9:30pm Other dates to follow: March 21st – 11pm March 23rd – 9:30pm March 24th – 10pm Bonus airing in Saskatoon on MarchContinue reading “The Rise of Big Cannabis on Shaw TV”

Fentanyl vs. Alcohol

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) told us today that there’s been a rise in Fentanyl-related deaths in Saskatchewan. No doubt, this is a major issue. But I also wanted to contextualize this story with some information about booze. * According to the information collected by the Office of the Chief Coroner, there have been 41Continue reading “Fentanyl vs. Alcohol”

In the Weeds: Understanding Government Action and Canada’s Marijuana Industry

What is happening with Canadian marijuana policy? We seem to be stuck in the weeds. And there’s a fog of confusion. According to Jim Bronskill, there are the 9 major factors that have driven the Canadian government’s “federal marijuana moves” over the past few months. The key source for him was a November 2015 ministerial briefingContinue reading “In the Weeds: Understanding Government Action and Canada’s Marijuana Industry”

More Meth? Crystal Meth Business on the Rise in SK

According to the CBC, one of the noticeable trends in Regina crime last year was the rise of methamphetamine, often called crystal meth. According to the Regina Police Service, there were 708 grams of meth seized last year, up from 308 grams in 2014. The number of meth seizures has also spiked, from 81 in 2014 toContinue reading “More Meth? Crystal Meth Business on the Rise in SK”

Mixed reviews for the Allard marijuana decision

Cannabis. Pot. Marijuana. Ganga. Weed. Grass. These are interesting times for sure. I was interviewed for the Saskatoon local news on the recent Allard decision. Honestly, I wasn’t terribly happy with this interview, but it can be viewed here. http://globalnews.ca/video/2541487/mixed-reviews-for-federal-court-marijuana-decision Finally: I would like to be upfront about something. The Global story used the word “Professor”Continue reading “Mixed reviews for the Allard marijuana decision”

Plasma Clinics Deserve Debate

There has been much media coverage about the opening of Canadian Plasma Resources’ first clinic in Saskatoon. I’ve been a part of that debate, having written for the Star Phoenix just yesterday. Canadian Blood Services has a number of videos that explains the plasma business in Canada and beyond. Thanks to John Dexter for finding theseContinue reading “Plasma Clinics Deserve Debate”

Devising an Endgame in the War on Tobacco

In recent months, some tobacco and health experts around the country have begun to devise radical proposals to hinder Big Tobacco and crush the business in a final, coordinated attack. The National Post’s Tom Blackwell, in particular, has offered illuminating coverage of the debates within the anti-smoking community, where moderates are pitted against prohibitionists. TheContinue reading “Devising an Endgame in the War on Tobacco”

Legal pot won’t affect workplace drug testing, expert says

In today’s Star Phoenix, Alex MacPherson reports on mandatory drug testing in the workplace. It’s a thoughtful piece and useful for the business community. The legalization of marijuana will raise numerous issues in the business community, in labour law, and among unions and union members, including pre-employment and random drug testing.  We can see justContinue reading “Legal pot won’t affect workplace drug testing, expert says”

Saskatoon councillors vote against business licences for marijuana dispensaries

The CBC was the first to this story. According to them: A City of Saskatoon committee has made it much more difficult for marijuana dispensaries to open in the city. Today, the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services voted against issuing business licences to marijuana dispensaries. Administration argued that medical marijuana fallsContinue reading “Saskatoon councillors vote against business licences for marijuana dispensaries”