Rocky Mountain High

Oh! Canada’s mountain parks, offer a different experience for everyone. Millions of visitors enjoy our mountain parks, and this year you may see, or smell a newcomer: Cannabis.

Who? Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, grass, pot or weed, was legalized for recreational use in Canada in October 2018. So, before you skedaddle at the first whiff of a lurking skunk, stop; it may be cannabis you smell, a.k.a. skunkweed.

Cannabis has grown in popularity since the 1960’s. Recently this smelly weed is making big headlines for its medicinal qualities. Cannabis is also famous for producing hemp fiber used in paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed.

A tall plant with a stiff upright stem and divided serrated leaves, fine hairs cover each leaf. Cannabis grows into either female or male plants. Generally speaking, the female plants are preferred because of the large resin-secreting flowers that are trimmed into round or pointed buds.

The plant contains two compounds Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main psychoactive compound in the plant best known for getting one ‘high’. CBD has multiple therapeutic uses and won’t intoxicate you.

Whether you and cannabis have a long-standing relationship, or you’re a first-time user, ‘start low, go slow’ — a low dose, a bit at a time. If you feel like you’ve overdone it, sit back, relax, drinks lots of water, and the high will pass.

Cannabis is consumed in many ways including: Inhaling or smoking it; Vaporizing it; and/or Ingesting it.

While cannabis can be ingested through edibles like cookies, brownies, gels, or gummies, don’t be too quick to look for your favourite cannabis laced snack. Edibles aren’t legal in Canada.

Like alcohol, cannabis is off limits in some areas, and it’s best to be in the know. Understanding the local laws on usage is important when planning your trip, so you don’t incur a fine.

Cannabis use is regulated under Canada’s Federal Cannabis Act. Each province/ territory is responsible for determining how cannabis is distributed and sold in their jurisdictions. Municipal borders can be obscure, so exercise caution when and where you’re consuming cannabis.

It’s up to you to understand the restrictions of cannabis use in our mountain parks. The big thing to remember is that use is off limits in most public places.

People consume cannabis for many reasons and the important thing to remember is BE SAFE. Grow, store, and consume cannabis responsibly. Please, remember to properly extinguish that joint, because only you can prevent wildfires. For more info visit: pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/cannabis

Where and when you can and cannot consume cannabis in Alberta’s National Parks (Banff, Jasper, Waterton Lakes)

You can smoke or vape cannabis:

• If you are 18+ years old;

• In campsites with valid permits from 7am to 11pm;

• In public areas including day-use area;

• On front and back country trails;

• In the hamlet of Lake Louise;

• In Waterton Lakes National Park public areas within the town boundary; and

You cannot smoke or vape cannabis:

• In campground common areas including playgrounds, kitchen shelters, washrooms, trails, roads;

• Within five metres ofbuildings throughout the park or small municipalities;

• During summer long weekends from Victoria Day through Labour Day;

• During special events or festivals;

• In any public places within the Town of Banff and municipality of Jasper including day-use areas at Pyramid, Annette, Edith beaches and Palisades Centre; and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Where and when you can and cannot consume cannabis in British Columbia’s National Parks (Kootenay, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier)

You can smoke or vape cannabis:

• If you are 19+ years old;

• In campsites with valid permits;

• In public areas including day-use area;

• On front and back country trails; and

• In the townsite of Field (Yoho National Park) in public areas within the town boundary.

You cannot smoke or vape cannabis:

• In campground common areas including playgrounds, kitchen shelters, washrooms, trails, roads; and

• Within six metres of buildings throughout the park or small municipalities.