THE VARSITY September 10, 2018
THE VARSITY University of Toronto’s Student Newspaper Since 1880 Vol. 139 No. 6 | October 15, 2018 | thevarsity.ca
University of Toronto's Student Newspaper since 1880
Vol. CXXXIX, No. 2
THE VARSITY
2 | THE VARSITY
OCTOBER 15, 2018
where can I get weed?
THE VARSITY Vol. CXXXIX, No. 6 21 Sussex Avenue, Suite 306 Toronto, ON M5S 1J6 (416) 946-7600
thevarsity.ca
the.varsity
thevarsitynewspaper
the.varsity
@TheVarsity
The Varsity
MASTHEAD
UTSC UTSG UTM Golden Leaf
Cannabis And Fine Edibles
Canadian Cannabis Clinic
Location: 2655 Lawrence Avenue East
Location: 104 Harbord Street
Location: 77 Queensway West
Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Weekdays: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm Weekends: 9:00 am to 12:00 am
Product: Selections of edibles and pre-rolls
Product: Weed (Medicinal)
Kevin Lu copy@thevarsity.ca Senior Copy Editor
Product: Weed
Price: $10–18 per gram
Josie Kao news@thevarsity.ca News Editor
Price: -
Jack O. Denton Editor-in-Chief
editor@thevarsity.ca
Pearl Cao Creative Director
creative@thevarsity.ca
Reut Cohen Managing Editor
managing@thevarsity.ca
Kaitlyn Simpson Managing Online Editor
online@thevarsity.ca
Ibnul Chowdhury comment@thevarsity.ca Comment Editor Kate Reeve Features Editor
features@thevarsity.ca
Kashi Syal arts@thevarsity.ca Arts & Culture Editor Srivindhya Kolluru science@thevarsity.ca Science Editor Daniel Samuel sports@thevarsity.ca Sports Editor Michael Teoh biz@thevarsity.ca Business Editor Angela Fu Design Editor
angelafu@thevarsity.ca
Gheyana Purbodiningrat Design Editor
gheyana@thevarsity.ca
Shanna Hunter Photo Editor
photos@thevarsity.ca
Troy Lawrence Illustration Editor
illustration@thevarsity.ca
Jess Stewart-Lee Video Editor
nikhi@thevarsity.ca
Stephanie Zhang Back End Web Developer
stephanie@thevarsity.ca
Julie Shi Deputy Senior Copy Editor
deputysce@thevarsity.ca
utm@thevarsity.ca
Jayra Almanzor UTSC Bureau Chief
utsc@thevarsity.ca
Joseph Naim Blog Editor
blog@thevarsity.ca
Blythe Hunter Podcast Editor
podcast@thevarsity.ca
Mandy Wang Chinese Translations Editor
chinese@thevarsity.ca
Vacant Associate Senior Copy Editor
Vacant Associate Sports Editor
Ann Marie Elpa, Silas Le Blanc, Andy Takagi Associate News Editors
Matias Gutierrez Associate Business Editor
Vacant Associate Features Editor Vacant Associate A&C Editor Vacant Associate Science Editor
Location: 485 Kennedy Road Time: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Product: Weed
Vacant Associate Design Editor Vacant Associate Photo Editor Vacant Associate Illustration Editor Vacant Associate Video Editor
Copy Editors Isabel Armiento, Marisa Balleani, John Bao, Megan Brearley, Ryan Delorme, Ori Gilboa, Susha Guan, Jacob Harron, Matthew Stobie Jackman, Matthew Lee, Tiffany Leung, Krisha Mansukhani, Khyrsten Mieras, Chantelle Nejnec, Jadine Ngan, Daniel Ninkovic, Sai Rathakrishna, Shayelle Smith, Sophia Spiteri, Sabrina Wu, Emily Yu Designers Tarik Abu Elhaiga, Keith Cheng
BUSINESS OFFICE
Emma Findlay-White Business Manager business@thevarsity.ca
Al Janusis Advertising Executive al@thevarsity.ca
Daniel Dong Advertising Executive danield@thevarsity.ca
Petros Kwan Advertising Executive petros@thevarsity.ca
The Varsity is the University of Toronto’s largest student newspaper, publishing since 1880. It is printed by Master Web Inc. on recycled newsprint stock. Content © 2018 by The Varsity. All rights reserved. Any editorial inquiries and/or letters should be directed to the sections associated with them; emails listed above. The Varsity reserves the right to edit all submissions. Inquiries regarding ad sales can be made to ads@thevarsity.ca. ISSN: 0042-2789
High Five
Location: 104 Harbord Street
Location: 4120 Dixie Road
Time: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Time: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Product: $5 Dabs, Weed, Shatter
Product: Weed, Concentrate
Price: $10–14 per gram
Price: $10–40 per gram
A-Plus Medical Location: 56 Kensington Place Time: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Product: Weed Price: $6–15 per gram
Best Budz Location: 24 Wellesley St. W, Unit 1B Time: 11:00 am –10:00 pm Product: Weed, Concentrate Price: $12-13 per gram
Issue 5 Crossword Solutions:
Price: -
Cloud 6ix
Price: $10–15 per gram
deputynews@thevarsity.ca
Zeahaa Rehman UTM Bureau Chief
Angela Feng, Zach Rosen Associate Comment Editors
Kennedy Apothecary
video@thevarsity.ca
Nikhi Bhambra Front End Web Developer
Ilya Bañares Deputy News Editor
Time:
news@thevarsity.ca | 3
THE VARSITY | NEWS
The Breakdown: What does cannabis legalization mean for Canada? Taking a look at legislation across the country Hannah Carty Varsity Contributor
As of October 17, cannabis will be legalized for recreational use across Canada in accordance with the Cannabis Act passed in June. With this landmark decision, Canada will become the second and largest country to legalize cannabis nationally, after Uruguay did so in 2013. The decision came amid growing popular opinion that cannabis should be legal for recreational use. A 2016 poll found that around 70 per cent of Canadians supported legalization. Once legalization begins, each province will have slightly different rules, but cannabis will be legal in one form or another in all of them. Legalization in Ontario In Ontario, the minimum age to buy or consume cannabis will be 19, while the legal limit for purchase or public possession will be 30 grams, or approximately one ounce. Cannabis will be legal for consumption in private residences and public areas, such as sidewalks and parks. Any prohibition of cannabis consumption in rental properties will be determined in the same way as cigarette usage, with landlords able to prohibit it in lease agreements. There is also a push to legalize cannabis lounges to encourage safe consumption outside of residential areas. Ontario residents will be able to grow up to four cannabis plants per residence, but for those who want to buy cannabis, the drug will be legally
available in several forms, including dried, and as oil, seeds, and plants. While Ontarians would originally have been able to buy cannabis at government-run stores under the previous government, Premier Doug Ford abandoned that plan in favour of private vendors beginning in April. “The Ford government has changed the previous Wynne policy, they’re now going to have licensed private sellers alongside the OCS [Ontario Cannabis Store],” explained Professor Paul Grootendorst, an associate professor in the the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Due to the change, the only legal vendor by October 17 will be the online OCS, which is a crown agency. Orders from the OCS will be ageverified upon delivery. After April, the OCS will continue to be the only online retailer and the wholesale provider for physical stores. Municipalities also have the onetime opportunity to opt out of having cannabis stores in their jurisdiction before January. Ontario hopes to provide enough cannabis to meet expected demand, and at good enough prices to thwart the black market, but the effects of their efforts remain to be seen. Grootendorst, whose research focuses on health economics, also talked about the economic effects of legalization. “They’re certainly going to need to find a way to bring the supply out there and this may be the way of doing it.” On the subject of the black market for cannabis, Grootendorst added that, while there will be issues regarding shortages in the recreational market and the black market will continue to exist, legalization
The Breakdown: What will cannabis legalization even look like at U of T? University officials say cannabis is an “evolving issue”
TROY LAWRENCE/THE VARSITY
is “probably better than having the Wild West of the unregulated recreational market we have now.” Legalization across Canada One of the major concerns about legalization is its effect on incidents of impaired driving. So far, the only proposed solution to testing for cannabis use is a roadside saliva test, which has been approved by the government. If the device reads positive, a subsequent blood test will follow. However, the credibility of these tests is under scrutiny — a study published in Norway claims that the test resulted in a false positive 14.5 per cent of the time and was only reliable between the temperatures of four and 40 degrees. Regardless, driving under the influence remains illegal, and a zero-tolerance policy will be in effect for drivers under 21, who will be penalized for any amount of cannabis found in their system while driving. Another area of blanket prohibition is the possession of cannabis on international flights. Cannabis will be allowed on domestic flights within the legal limit of 30 ounces. Silas Le Blanc Associate News Editor
With cannabis legalization coming up on October 17, the university plans to treat cannabis in the same way that it treats tobacco. This means that, among other things, students will be banned from smoking in residence and from receiving deliveries for online orders. In an interview with The Varsity, Senior Director for Student Success Heather Kelly said that, like other institutions, U of T would “largely rely on existing policies to respond to the changes for smoking cannabis in residence.” For instance, residences currently have a zerotolerance policy for smoking cigarettes indoors. “The smoking of cannabis will not be any different,” said Kelly. “Students will not be allowed to smoke cannabis in dorms.” For medical users, Kelly assured that they will continue to make necessary accommodations. “We’ve always accommodated for medical marijuana. Academic accommodations or any accommodations are individualized in nature. So it really depends on the nature of the request and the residents’ environment, but we have and will continue to make exceptions for students who require marijuana for medical purposes.” However, the issues will continue to evolve, even after the legalization of cannabis. For smoking outdoors, students are expected to obey federal and provincial legislation, which will allow people to smoke in public places such as parks and sidewalks, but not in indoor common areas. Outdoor smoking rules would also be very difficult to enforce. In an interview with The Varsity, Sociology Professor Patricia Erickson said that there are “very difficult enforcement issues.” “It’s probably easier to tie it into tobacco, then try to sort out which drug is being used where.” Erickson, whose main area of expertise is the cultural and legal normalization of cannabis, also spoke about how legalization could affect campus culture. She said that despite common belief, legalization will not change much in terms of
FIONA TUNG/THE VARSITY
Although you won’t be able to grow cannabis plants in Québec or Manitoba, and you can use cannabis only in private residences in six provinces, legalization across Canada looks roughly the same. Leading the way in privately owned stores is Alberta, which plans to have about 250 open within the year. It remains to be seen how legalization will actually play out come October 17. While dispensaries that are currently illegal will remain so under the new laws unless they acquire a licence, they won’t face competition from physical stores until April. — With files from Andy Takagi
the normalization of cannabis, especially among younger people. “The law, I think, is now coinciding more with the normalization process rather than the normalization process driving the legal change,” she said. “I would also say be careful, I think, about assuming that use will go up… It depends on age, and sex, and your kind of cultural setting, and so on.” “I really thought legalization was coming,” said Erickson, speaking about the beginning of her career in the ’70s. “And instead, we’ve gone through decades of very modest proposals about decriminalizing possession and reducing the penalties. There was never a serious proposal put forward.” Edibles will not be available for legal purchase in Canada as of October 17, so the university is taking more time to come up with an appropriate policy relating to this issue. “Once there is more information with respect to edibles, we’ll review it, and we will also take a look at our existing policy. However, currently, because the new law does not cover edibles, again, we expect students to obey the law, and so we are only addressing the smoking of cannabis at this time,” noted Kelly. The university is also planning to educate students on responsible marijuana usage. “Starting with orientation and continuing with our health promotions programming throughout the year, what we are doing is talking to students about safety, understanding their limits, making sure they’re aware of their rights, but also their responsibilities… and I think most importantly where to seek help,” said Kelly. Particular importance will also be placed on helping students understand how to recognize and respond to situations in which they or someone else is in distress, and how to seek assistance if they believe that cannabis is negatively impacting their or someone else’s academic or personal life. “Our focus is really about helping students learn about resources available to them.” — With files from Andy Takagi
4 | THE VARSITY | NEWS
The Breakdown: Travelling to the US after cannabis legalization
news@thevarsity.ca
CAMH settles with U of T professor Kenneth Zucker over 2015 report
CAMH agrees to pay $586,000, issues public apology
Tensions expected to rise amid cross-border stance on cannabis Ann Marie Elpa Associate News Editor
The impending legalization of cannabis in Canada has posed significant limitations in terms of U.S.Canadian travel, and the overall legality of the substance on American soil. The U.S. has an ambiguous relationship with cannabis use across its states. Despite 30 states legalizing medical use of the drug and nine states legalizing recreational use, the federal government still views cannabis as a controlled substance and Customs and Border Patrol is against those travelling with cannabis or in affiliation with the pot industry. Even when travelling to states where cannabis is legal — such as Maine — travellers suspected of carrying copious amounts or those who are caught under the influence will be turned away. Medical cannabis users are also not allowed entry even with a prescription. Marijuana-related paraphernalia, such as rolling papers and bongs, are also not permitted. Travelling to the United States According to an updated October 9 statement on the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website, travellers entering the U.S. are expected to adhere to U.S. laws and regulations regarding cannabis. Respective policies will not change in accordance to legalization. “Requirements for international travelers wishing to enter the United States are governed by and conducted in accordance with U.S. Federal Law, which supersedes state laws,” reads the statement. “Although medical and recreational marijuana may be legal in some U.S. States and Canada, the sale, possession, production, and distribution of marijuana or the facilitation of the aforementioned remain illegal under U.S. Federal Law.” The agency also added that violating these laws may result in “denied admission, seizure, fines, and apprehension.” The statement is ambiguous in terms of smoking and consuming cannabis on the Canadian border and does not specify whether travellers will face consequences for legal use of the drug. However, Canadians are not permitted to purchase cannabis and related paraphernalia from legalized states, as doing so will result in criminal penalties both at home and abroad. Workers in the cannabis industry Canadians involved in the cannabis industry may also be barred from entering if they are travelling for work-related purposes. This is a major issue for investors and business owners hoping to expand the cannabis market into legal states. The extent of these work-related travels also remains a major grey area. Companies will have to be cautious in making sure that employees are not barred from travel for suspected illegal drug trafficking. Workers will still be able to visit the U.S. for leisure travel. Those travelling with a Nexus card will also be held accountable and are not exempt from US laws and regulations on cannabis. The card will be confiscated if its user violates substance laws. If you are denied entry for cannabis use and trafficking, a border patrol officer will seize the cannabis on hand and deem you inadmissible for entry to the United States. Canadians may face hefty fines and possible jail time as well, though determinations on criminal enforcement is up to the trained border patrol officer based on the situation and information at hand.
Zucker used work at CAMH before he was fired in 2015.
Simrit Khabra Varsity Contributor
Courtesy of KEN ZUCKER
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has settled with U of T professor Kenneth Zucker over a 2015 report that erroneously described Zucker’s work at the centre. CAMH has also agreed to pay Zucker $586,000 in damages, legal fees, and interest.
The report in question detailed Zucker’s work as the former leader of the functional clinical and research team at the now-closed Child, Youth, and Family Gender Identity Clinic. The report falsely stated that he insulted a patient and practised conversion therapy on people who identified as transgender. The external review, which included complaints against Zucker, was removed from the CAMH website in early 2016. Zucker was fired from CAMH after the review was published. CAMH apologized “without reservation to Zucker for the flaws in the process that led to errors in the report not being discovered,” stating that the “the report contained some errors about Dr. Zucker’s clinical practice and interactions with patients.” CAMH spokesperson Sean O’Malley offered the following statement via email to The Varsity: “CAMH has reached a settlement with Dr. Ken Zucker following his departure from CAMH in 2015. CAMH stands by its decision to close the child and youth gender identity clinic following an external review which concluded the clinic was not meeting the needs of gender expansive and trans children and their families. We believe our modernized approach to delivering services to youth better supports diverse patients
Here are your Scarborough— Rouge Park municipal candidates
Incumbent councillor facing crowd of challengers Hodman Abukar, Ilya Bañares, Silas Le Blanc, Andy Takagi Varsity Staff
Toronto is just seven days away from electing a mayor and a 25-seat city council, along with school board trustees. In advance of October 22, The Varsity spoke with some candidates for Ward 25 Scarborough—Rouge Park — the most contested U of T electoral district and the one that contains UTSC — about their platforms, policies, and visions for students. Neethan Shan Neethan Shan, the incumbent councillor for Ward 42 Scarborough—Rouge River, which is now a part of Ward 25, has a long history of community and public service. Born in Sri Lanka, Shan came to Canada as a refugee when he was 16, and went on to work in youth programs with various social services agencies. He served on the York Region District School Board from 2006–2010, and was elected to the Toronto District School Board in a 2016 by-election. Shan also later successfully contested a 2017 by-election for city council to become the body’s second Tamil Canadian representative. “Postsecondary institutions, including the University of Toronto, need to work together with the City of Toronto, to build affordable housing options for students that are close to campus,” said Shan. He noted that current and future rooming houses need to be regulated in order to ensure students’ safety, and encouraged a partnership between U of T and the city. On road safety, Shan said he supports increased regulations near educational institutions, such as speed reductions, stop signs, and improved traffic lights. He also said that the city needs to enhance the enforcement of existing rules by holding those who break traffic rules around educational facilities accountable. Shan pointed to his vote for the Scarborough subway as a hallmark of his dedication to public transit, and writes on his website that he “suc-
cessfully campaigned to extend the Eglinton East LRT [Light Rail Transit] to Malvern.” Jennifer McKelvie Jennifer McKelvie is an environmental ecoscientist who headed the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization and served as a board member on the UTSC Campus Council. She was also a member of both the Toronto Region Conservation Authority and the Scarborough Women of Philanthropy. McKelvie advocates for safe school zones and new housing options for seniors, among many other issues. On transit, she hopes to focus on an integrated Scarborough transit system, which would include an extension to the current subway system, the Eglinton East LRT, and improved bus services. Drawing from her work prior to and as the inaugural president of the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization, a non-profit that works to help develop a “bold vision for Scarborough,” McKelvie said she also wants to develop
through best practice and timely care.” In an interview with The Varsity, Zucker said that he “wasn’t able to speak publicly for three years” since the release of the report. He takes solace in the non-financial aspects of the settlement, particularly the public apology, which he claims has allowed him to be “vindicated and liberated” of false allegations. The aim of Zucker’s work was to “reduce gender dysphoria” in children and youth, and he used one of three predominant approaches, which he refers to as “developmentally informed therapy,” to do so. Gender dysphoria and identifying as transgender are not the same thing — there is a misunderstanding of terminology that feeds the contentious debate in the field of gender dysphoria, according to Zucker. Zucker expressed his concern with the relationship between his case and what he said is the broader political phenomenon in which academics cannot openly discuss their thoughts due to fear of retribution. To Zucker, his case is an example of the “authoritarian scene we are creating.” Disclosure: The Varsity’s reporting on the CAMH report was the subject of a legal complaint from Zucker in 2016, settled in 2017.
an arts centre to showcase the cultural diversity of her ward and help stimulate the regional economy. She also intends to work toward developing “trade-training” centres in preparation for the various infrastructure development coming to Scarborough. On student issues, McKelvie emphasized creating safe and affordable housing for students, particularly by enacting regulations for rooming houses in consultation with students, residents, and rooming house owners. “Scarborough deserves better,” she said. McKelvie emphasized her commitment and experience as her strengths. “I live here, I volunteer here, and I was the first person to sign-up… to represent our community.” Eleven candidates are running in Scarborough— Rouge Park: Amanda Cain, Paul Cookson, Daniel Cubellis, Jasper Ghori, Reza Khoshdel, Cheryl Lewis-Thurab, Dave Madder, McKelvie, Christopher Riley, Shan, and Joseph Thomas. Election day is on October 22, and advance voting ran October 10–14. Voters in the ward can either go to Malvern Recreation Centre at 30 Sewells Road or Heron Park Community Centre at 292 Manse Road to cast their ballot. Read the rest of the story at thevarsity.ca/candidates
Scarborough—Rouge Park is a hotly contested ward in the municipal elections.
SHANNA HUNTER/THE VARSITY
OCTOBER 15, 2018 | 5
var.st/news
Mississauga mayoral candidates bump heads in UTM debate Debate focuses on transparency, Ford government, diversity initiatives
Candidates criticized the provincial government’s plan to revert to an older version of the sex ed curriculum.
SHANNA HUNTER/THE VARSITY
Ann Marie Elpa Associate News Editor
misinformed.” Pouragheli expressed her support for the 2015 curriculum implemented by the previous provincial government, commenting that “there needs to be a dialogue regarding sensitive topics,” as children are being exposed to sensitive information at a much younger age from the prevalence of social media and the internet. Crombie also expressed her support for the 2015 curriculum, especially as it taught students about topics such as cyberbullying, gender identity, and consent. She noted that parental consultation is needed to put forward an updated curriculum and allow transparency between school boards and parents. Lee shared Crombie’s view, calling for a proper curriculum that involves both school board officials and parents. “Sex education should have two parts,” he said. “One: knowledge education, and two: behaviour education.” Candidates also expressed strong support for the minimum wage increase. Chapman said that he is a strong believer in the minimum wage increase as it provides a larger disposable income for families in need. Echoing that, Crombie said that “people have to have a minimum income to succeed.” When asked about a possible $15 minimum wage, Pouragheli said, “I think we should keep it as it is and see what happens to the economy in a few years.” On top of minimum wage, she suggested adding additional services for families in need. While Lee supported the minimum wage increase, he also acknowledged that wages should be
set according to standards of living and need to be balanced. Toward the end of the debate, an audience member asked about diversity and equity initiatives in employment and what candidates would do to encourage inclusion. Crombie suggested removing names on résumés, a practice used by employers to prevent bias and focus on merit. She added that jobs serving the community, such as police services and firefighting, should reflect the diverse community that they serve and suggested advertising jobs in cultural newspapers. Pouragheli agreed with Crombie on removing names on applications, although she said that there could still be small indicators and leeway for bias. Chapman noted that, on top of removing names in job applications, gender also should be removed to address further bias. Recalling his experience seeking employment in 1973, Lee agreed with merit-based applications and called for greater equity initiatives. Rizvi said that the mayor of Mississauga would look past bias and take opinions, regardless of race. Advance voting for UTM students happened from October 13–14 at all community centres and elementary and secondary schools in the Ward 8 area. On October 22, UTM students will have access to various voting locations near campus. St. Mark Separate School, South Common Community Centre, Holy Name of Mary College School, Erindale Secondary School, Oakridge Public School, St. Margaret of Scotland Elementary School, and St. Clare Separate School in Mississauga all offer polling booths close to their classrooms. cipal’s Road,” though Krull added that this was not confirmed. At the UTM Campus Council meeting on October 3, Krull announced that UTM had already hired three staff members for the Robotics Department. “The initial robotics faculty members will join their Computer Science colleagues in Deerfield Hall,” wrote Krull.
Construction for the Robotics Building is slated to start this academic year. SHANNA HUNTER/THE VARSITY
Performance Computing Data Centre, as well as laboratories and offices, to satisfy the laboratory needs of research facilities at UTM and to accommodate the activities of UTM’s Centre for Medicinal Chemistry, which was launched in 2016 to develop drugs targeting cancer and other diseases. The Forensic Science program, which is currently located in the Health Sciences Complex, as well as Campus Shipping & Receiving, which is currently located in the William G. Davis Building, are also slated for relocation to the Science Building. With a budget exceeding $20 million, construction of the Science Building will be funded by a combination of sources, including UTM Capital Reserves and Long-term Borrowing, along with donations and funding. There will also be possible fund-matching from the Provost.
Building. According to UTM’s Implementation Plan — an evolving document that details the steps that the administration is taking to achieve the Academic Plan — construction of the Science Building is scheduled to begin sometime in the next two years and finish around 2021. The Science Building will be located between the Davis Building and the Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex. It will consist of roughly 7,134 net assignable square metres spread over four floors, with a mechanical penthouse on the fifth floor. There are also proposals to include a High
Robotics Building Construction of the Robotics Building is slated to begin this academic year for an expected opening sometime between 2020 and 2021. However, it is yet to be determined where or why construction will occur. “[The Robotics Building will be] much like a technical garage for working on autonomous vehicles,” explained Professor Ulrich Krull, Principal of UTM and Vice-President of the University of Toronto, over email. “This is not intended to be a significant academic building and will be a work shop, likely located near the Paleomagnetism Lab on Prin-
Five Mississauga mayoral candidates contended at a debate organized by the University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union (UTMSU) on October 4 at the UTM Innovation Complex atrium. The candidates debated on a wide range of topics, from opinions on Premier Doug Ford’s government to how Mississauga could be more equitable. Of the eight total candidates, incumbent mayor Bonnie Crombie, Yasmin Pouragheli, Scott Chapman, Syed Qumber Rizvi, and Andrew Lee attended. Mohsin Khan and Tiger Meng Wu were not present, and controversial candidate Kevin Johnston was not invited, according to the UTMSU. Johnston was charged with promoting hate in an earlier incident in March. The debate began with opening statements and included a question period. Opening statements Crombie spoke about her work in office, highlighting the success of initiatives such as ‘Making Room for the Middle,’ which aims to keep housing affordable for middle-class families and create a safer city. Rizvi, a second-time candidate in the Mississauga elections, held a similar sentiment to Crombie’s, proposing affordable housing projects for singleparent households and low-income families. Chapman, another second-time candidate, spoke of an initiative to compensate residents for using solar panels in an effort to encourage sustainability and environmental consciousness. Pouragheli, a 26-year-old law school graduate,
presented her plan for legislative reform and said that she intends to help municipalities raise revenue. Lee, a retired engineer, has a platform that advocates for seniors and students alike, drawing from his experiences as a senior citizen in Mississauga. Question period The panel consisted of questions from the UTMSU on transit, student housing, immigration, and child care, as well as questions submitted from the audience on community engagement and diversity initiatives. One Mississauga resident was concerned about transparency between the city council and residents, asking candidates about initiatives the city could undertake to facilitate communication and address unheard complaints. “Call 3-1-1,” suggested Crombie, referring to the city’s hotline connecting residents to city services and information. Chapman proposed a direct line to the mayor’s office, encouraging transparency and open communication between residents and the council. Candidates were also asked questions regarding recent issues such as the changes to the Ontario sexual education curriculum and the increase in minimum wage. Most of the candidates present looked unfavourably on the provincial government’s decision to revert to an older version of the curriculum. Chapman said that he was “disappointed” in Ford’s decision as it would impact the quality of education in Mississauga schools. “I feel that our students should be taught in the schools, not by people their own age and
New buildings in the works at UTM
Plans not finalized for location, full purpose of proposed Robotics Building, Arts & Culture building
Zeahaa Rehman UTSC Bureau Chief
UTM plans to build up to three new academic buildings over the next four years, as a part of the implementation of its five-year Academic Plan that it introduced last year. This year, the campus plans to finalize designs for both a Science Building and a Robotics Building, as well as initiate discussions to possibly construct an Arts & Culture Building. Though construction is slated to start soon, there are very few details about the location or full purpose of the Robotics Building and the Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture Building The fate of the Arts & Culture Building remains unknown. “For Robotics and Arts and Culture, there are no decisions about where the construction will happen, and no decisions about the purpose of the buildings,” wrote Krull. “The Arts and Culture Building is a placeholder for a project that might take place after the science building is completed, and the science building will not be fully complete before 2022.” Krull added that discussions are in progress, and that any issues must first be considered by a project planning committee before any plans can be finalized for construction to begin. “UTM has not even assembled these committees as yet,” said Krull. “When there is a consensus it will be possible to move to the project planning stage to lay out firm plans.” Ongoing construction continues to place stress on campus operations. So far, construction is in progress for an unnamed new building, to finish the new North Building, and to renovate the Davis Building.
Business
October 15, 2018 var.st/business biz@thevarsity.ca
U of T alumni poised for new wave of sector growth with first cannabis business accelerator Brett Chang, Taylor Scollon raised $1.2 million for Leaf Forward so far Jack O. Denton Editor-in-Chief
In 2013, the Canadian government created the first conditions for a commercial medical cannabis industry — and Brett Chang and Taylor Scollon were finishing up their degrees at U of T. Over five years later, the country finds itself on the precipice of legalizing the drug for recreational use, and the pair find themselves embedded deep in the world of Canadian cannabis startups. Leaf Forward touts itself as “Canada’s first and leading cannabis business accelerator.” The company has raised $1.2 million in investment capital so far and will pour its first $250,000 into five early-stage cannabis startups next month, hoping to ride the second wave of major growth in the sector. Leaf Forward is part venture capital fund and part business accelerator, founded in 2017 by Chang, Scollon, and Alex Blumenstein. Eager to get involved in the cannabis industry around the time of Justin Trudeau’s election, Leaf Forward began by hosting monthly meetups that brought the likes of Aph-
ria (TSE:APH) CEO Vic Neufield together with people interested in getting more involved in the evolving world of Canadian cannabis. “We built a community around that,” Chang said, “and through that we got to know entrepreneurs in the space and industry leaders in the space, and we just connected the dots.” Alongside hosting meetups — there have been 21 so far across five Canadian cities — Leaf Forward also offers four-day intensive ‘bootcamps’ marketed to equip entrepreneurs with skills to propel their cannabis startups. Forty-five cannabis companies have completed the bootcamp program, but the main thrust of Leaf Forward is its highly competitive business accelerator driven by venture capital. The accelerator program involves both a big boost of seed funding as well as participation in an intensive, three-month program. Companies in the accelerator have access to Leaf Forward’s wide industry network, including outlets for future funding rounds and licensed spaces for research and development. The accelerator program also grants access to Leaf Forward’s industry partners, which include law and
A cannabis closure conundrum
As legalization looms, Toronto’s black market vendors receive ultimatum Matias Gutierrez Associate Business Editor
Ontario’s dispensaries were given an ultimatum of sorts when the provincial government announced cannabis legalization. The provincial government announced that its policy measures regarding private selling and distribution of cannabis would allow private businesses to operate legally beginning on April 1 — on the condition that they shut down all operations by the October 17 legalization date. Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Finance Minister, has reiterated a zero-tolerance policy regarding dispensaries that continue to operate illegally past the legalization date. Many dispensaries and shops familiar to Toronto residents face the existential question of shutting down and losing almost six months of business, or continuing to operate illegally — presumably under increased police scrutiny — and jeopardizing their future earnings and prospects as legal entities. Sea of Green and High Society, two notable Toronto dispensaries, have opted for the former, with the objective of reopening legally in April. While they may lament lost business — some dispensaries make almost $40,000 a day in sales — many dispensary owners are wary of continuing to operate illegally. The legalization transition has been a longawaited process and legal privatization has many businesses taking the path of least resistance and accepting all of the impending policy changes. The more burning question that has come in light of the recent closure of dispensaries is how these changes will affect the market and culture. Will the growing supply saturate earnings? Will its ubiquity rob stoner culture of its exclusivity and stigma? From a policy perspective, the closure of dispensaries seems to be a move to gauge demand by funnelling sales to the government’s Ontario Cannabis Store, which will be the only legal source of recreational cannabis until April. While there is optimism in the stock of large
marijuana producers, such as Canopy Growth Corporation (TSE:WEED) and Aurora Cannabis (TSE:ACB), uncertainty is still evident in price fluctuations. As eager as investors are to bet big on cannabis, small setbacks have seen stocks tumble more than 30 per cent, as was the case with Aurora in August, only to recover and supersede previous peaks in a matter of days. Perhaps the provincial government will use the consolidated demand it generates from its online retailer to project the cannabis market’s cap and the tax earnings they can expect to collect from this newly created legal market. From a cultural perspective, the largest shift seems to be the transformation of cannabis from drug to commodity. While this may just be a government catching up to a culture that has long been normalized in Toronto, privatization on a larger provincial scale has serious implications for communities. Anticipating this shift, the provincial government has given cities until January the right to opt out of allowing private retailers from operating. Read the rest of the story at var.st/cannabisultimatum
TROY LAWRENCE/THE VARSITY
Leaf Forward will invest its first $250,000 next month.
Courtesy of BRETT CHANG
accounting firms on hand to help startups solidify their plans for expansion and ensure stable long-term growth. Five companies will start off the first accelerator cohort in November, followed by another eight to 10 businesses in March and 10 to 12 more later in the spring. The goal is to have 20 to 25 companies with a capital base of $3 million — of which $1 million will be used for initial investment and $2 million reserved for follow-on funding. Funding early-stage startups The companies in the first cohort include businesses focused on alternative consumption — edible forms of cannabis to be regulated within the next year — as well as a company using a cannabis extract, cannabi-
diol, in sports beverages, and another startup focused on creating a superior filtration system to minimize odours for licensed producers. Licensed producers, such as Canopy Growth (TSE:WEED) and Aurora Cannabis (TSE:ACB), enjoyed extremely high growth within the last year that many analysts say will plateau. Whereas cannabis itself will be treated as a commodity post-legalization, the brands and technology that take advantage of it are poised for growth in a new, emerging sector. Making an analogy to the beer industry, Chang said that “you don’t make money off the hops for beer — you make money off of the brand.” Read the rest of the story at var.st/leafforward
Opinion: How Ontario can overcome its expected weed shortage Rigid rules, lagging licensing may hinder legal Toronto toking Madeleine Kelly Varsity Contributor
With cannabis legalization set for October 17, Ontarians over the age of 19 will soon be able to purchase cannabis online for recreational use through the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). However, you’ll want to submit your order early, because industry leaders and researchers alike are predicting that a product shortage will occur within the first year following legalization. Health Canada’s most recent estimations place demand for recreational cannabis at upward of 900,000 kilograms, but according to a recent report co-authored by the University of Waterloo and the CD Howe Institute, supply will only total 210,000 kilograms — 23 per cent of demand. Based on the total annual production capacity of the 13 cannabis cultivator companies listed on the Canadian Marijuana Index, that amount is closer to 230,000 kilograms, and that’s assuming each company will yield their maximum estimated outputs. The discrepancy between these output projections is negligible, and, regardless, comes far short of the predicted demand. However, each company has considerable expansion plans that should greatly increase its production capacities over the next couple of years, and the government expects supply to eventually overtake demand. To remedy the expected shortage, the average consumer is then expected to continue procuring recreational cannabis on the black market, meaning that the government will have objectively failed its mission of snuffing out illegal producers and distributors with legalization. However, there are a few ways in which the province could curtail the severity of the shortage. In order to help meet the demand, industry leaders argue that Health Canada should streamline the process of licensing producers. The current application process is complicated and arduous — over half of all applications for medical cannabis licences have been returned as incomplete — and its slow rate of licensing producers has been identified as the main
JENNIFER SU/THE VARSITY
culprit behind the supply shortage. Health Canada should also approve the sale and regulation of edibles and cannabis derivatives. The province has heretofore stalled the regulation of these forms of cannabis post-legalization, citing a lack of data regarding how cannabis impacts human health when ingested. Critics including MP Don Davies have said that no more meaningful data is expected to arise in the next year, and it’s commonly understood that edibles likely have less of a negative health impact than cannabis smoke. Expediting the approval of edibles and derivatives would effectively help fill the demand, as they are estimated to account for 50 per cent of the total dollar value of pot sales once legalized. Another option is amending the Cannabis Act, which bans the import of cannabis for recreational purposes, but not for medicinal purposes. Theoretically, to circumvent a shortage, the sector could devote all domestic cannabis production to recreational products, while exclusively importing all cannabis products and derivatives that are intended for medicinal purposes. This would require a massive systemic shift that may not be feasible on short notice. Alternatively, the province could move forward with implementing a private retail model and allow the import of cannabis products that are produced by Canadian companies in other countries. While importing recreational cannabis products is banned under the Cannabis Act, licensed Canadian producers could argue that they are simply outsourcing the production of cannabis, as opposed to engaging in trade with international companies. Read the rest of the story at var.st/weedshortage
Comment
Meet the Comment columnists!
This year’s team of five columnists will contribute regular pieces on a wide range of topics: current affairs, student life, UTSG student politics, UTM affairs, and UTSC affairs. Here’s some of their goals for the upcoming year:
October 15, 2018 var.st/comment comment@thevarsity.ca
To improve campus culture, let’s consider cannabis education Marijuana legalization provides an opportunity for U of T to address substance abuse, racism, and sexual violence
Sharmeen Abedi UTM Affairs Columnist
“As a UTM student, my column will cover UTM campus politics and student life, but I will try to write on issues that everyone can relate to. I have always been very passionate about journalism, and I have written in the past for my campus newspaper, The Medium. I aim to bring my own distinct, personal perspective to the newspaper and hopefully influence you to see things in a different light.” Amelia Eaton Student Life Columnist
“My goal is to be able to articulate life at U of T through many lenses and pay homage to different experiences. By offering my insight into the issues that affect students, and prompting dialogue on these issues, I hope to have readers re-examine their own views and be more receptive to the experiences of others.” Michael Phoon UTSC Affairs Columnist
“As a UTSC student studying Journalism, I intend to express my opinion and offer solutions to problems faced by students at UTSC. I hope that through my columns, there is greater attention to events and issues that affect UTSC.”
Sam Routley UTSG Student Politics Columnist “With a topic like student politics at UTSG, my goal is to offer fair and well-intentioned criticism and ultimately suggest what is best for students. This will include highlighting where the University of Toronto Students’ Union is doing well, and where improvement is required. Should I do so much as inspire a broader conversation over solutions, I will feel like I have done my job.” Meera Ulysses Current Affairs Columnist
“My interest in politics is intimately intertwined within my person, as someone who’s of multiple identities that are socially politicized — being Arab, trans, queer, and disabled. These identities position me in a curious place from which to look at society. I hope that in my work with The Varsity I’m able to convince readers to look at sociopolitical issues from angles previously ignored.”
GHEYANA PURBODININGRAT/THE VARSITY
Amelia Eaton Student Life Columnist
The upcoming legalization of cannabis is not only a concern for government and law. It is also an important cultural opportunity for universities to destigmatize drug use, provide drug education across campuses, and address the broken parts of campus culture. Heather Kelly, U of T’s Senior Director of Student Success, has said that while the university plans to apply existing rules for alcohol and tobacco to cannabis, “we want [students] to know what to do if they find themselves or a friend in trouble” and “how to recognize signs that somebody may need assistance.” Educating students on safer substance use is vital, but where and how this education will take place remains unclear. Acknowledging student drug use at U of T is long overdue. Even before legalization, 28 per cent of U of T students reported using marijuana last year. Now that it is no longer an illegal substance, it is imperative that we distinguish use from abuse. For instance, students may turn to cannabis to self-medicate their mental health issues instead of seeking professional help. A 2017 study found that teenagers across Canada are using cannabis to self-medicate for stress and anxiety. As cannabis becomes more readily accessible, the university administration needs to educate students on how to maintain a healthy relationship with the substance. Cannabis education requires confronting a university culture that normalizes bingedrinking and unhealthy substance use. However, university administrations should not attempt to counteract this culture with zerotolerance policies. Instead, they should accept that their students drink and use drugs and focus on helping students stay safe. Canadian Public Health Association Executive Director Ian Culbert said that “experimentation is a natural part of growing up” and that university administrations and student associations should therefore adopt “a very proactive approach at getting education materials out to all of the students.” Yet it is necessary to acknowledge that not everyone has been allowed to experiment
without repercussions. Although research demonstrates that the rate of cannabis use is similar across different racial groups, a 2017 Toronto Star investigation found that in Toronto, Black people with no criminal record were three times as likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white people who also have no record. A subsequent investigation found that across Canada, Black and Indigenous peoples were disproportionately arrested for possession. Cannabis legalization may help put an end to this injustice going forward, but many argue that Canada should go further and pardon all Canadians with records of cannabis possession. U of T assistant sociology professor and Director of Research at Cannabis Amnesty Akwasi Owusu-Bempah is among those calling on the federal government to instate a blanket pardon. Owusu-Bempah told the CBC that, because cannabis prohibition has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, “amnesty is important to level the playing field.” Just as amnesty should accompany cannabis legalization, an anti-racism approach is central to meaningful cannabis education. Historically, governments have justified the criminalization of drug use through associations with racialized communities. Destigmatization is therefore not only about challenging misconceptions surrounding the actual use of drugs, but also the racial underpinnings that have long justified those misconceptions. Furthermore, cannabis education must involve discussions of consent. U of T can use this opportunity to challenge the idea that women are to blame for sexual violence. Discussions of safe alcohol consumption often place the onus on women to protect themselves from sexual assault by refraining from consuming alcohol. A new dialogue around substance use and consent is necessary, because simply telling women not to drink or do drugs will not stop sexual violence. As a Vice article points out, the relationship between cannabis use and sexual consent is a topic that is largely ignored. Where it is discussed, it is often oversimplified. A Psychology Today article notes that while
“the combination of sex and alcohol greatly increases women’s risk of sexual assault… marijuana has never been shown to increase” this risk. Statements like these are typical of society’s tendency to blame sexual violence on substances over perpetrators. Confronting this through consent education can help reduce sexual violence on campus and create a culture where perpetrators are actually held accountable. Students and administration can work together to make this education a reality. The Sheffield Students’ Union in the UK provides its students with information on safer practices when using illegal drugs, providing a model for U of T or the University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) to follow. Student networks like the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy work to empower students with information on safer drug use, and a chapter of the organization exists at U of T. The university administration could also implement an online training module on safer substance use, like the current module on sexual education and violence prevention. The administration and the UTSU should use their platforms to provide students with information on safe practices when it comes to the use of cannabis and other drugs and training on how these substances can affect a person’s ability to consent. The university community should also acknowledge the uneven damages left by the criminalization of cannabis on students, and reflect on how to repair these damages moving forward, including supporting calls for cannabis amnesty. Cannabis legalization marks an important cultural shift as drug use is increasingly seen as a matter of public health rather than a moral or criminal issue. However, this shift is only possible if powerful institutions, including universities, choose education over stigmatization. Amelia Eaton is a second-year Political Science and Ethics, Society and Law student at Woodsworth College. She is The Varsity’s Student Life Columnist.
8 | THE VARSITY | COMMENT
comment@thevarsity.ca
Cracking the illusion of Canadian progressiveness Canada as a nation of liberal politics is an empty idea in the face of recent political turns towards conservatism Meera Ulysses Current Affairs Columnist
The election of Donald Trump as US president was notable for revealing common ideas about Canada, especially in relation to the US. Americans frequently joked about emigrating to Canada, while Canadians pridefully boasted about our country’s alleged progressiveness in relation to a politically regressive America. This is the image of Canada perpetuated from both within and without: a nation of unrivalled tolerance and liberalism. It is, however, an image without substance, mostly grounded in a mythology written and spoken by those on both sides of the political spectrum. Justin Trudeau’s political career is an important contemporary piece of this mythology. His person has been heralded and denigrated as an icon of tolerant, liberal, Canadian values. The fervor surrounding his figure somehow instituted a nationwide amnesia about his famously conservative predecessor, Stephen Harper, who won three consecutive elections. Trudeau was transformed from just another centrist politician following a plethora of centrist and conservative politicians to a figure agreeable with and representative of the stereotype of Canadian progressiveness. This effectively silenced discussions of Trudeau’s failures to actually embody a progressive politics, such as his retraction of promises related to Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Much of this illusion might have had to do with his relatively young age and — according to some — attractive appearance. A part of it might have also been wish fulfillment on the part of Canadians, who seemed to desire a leader who could remain staunchly centrist in his politics while appearing progressive. This somewhat farcical image of Trudeau as a vision of liberality is adopted and mobilized by those on the right of the political spectrum. Propaganda that positions Trudeau as a communist or as attempting to institute sharia law abounds in right-wing media, rendering Canadians more sympathetic to rightwing ideologies. This propaganda is found in fringe conspiratorial media like Toronto’s Your Ward News, but also makes its way into more widely consumed media like The Toronto Sun. Perhaps these images do render Canadians more susceptible to right-wing ideologies. On the other hand, perhaps the images work to obscure the reality
TROY LAWRENCE/THE VARSITY
that these ideologies have always been present, that conservatism historically and presently plays a major role in shaping Canada’s political field. Either way, the presence of conservatism is at this point undeniable: provincial elections this year in Québec and Ontario both resulted in the appointment of controversial right-wing politicians to office. Much has already been said about our new premier, Doug Ford, and his eccentric notions of democracy. But earlier this month, our neighbours a bit further east elected François Legault and his right-wing party, Coalition Avenir Québec, to a majority government. Legault and his party are known for their desires to restrict immigration and for their disdain for public symbols of Islamic and Jewish faith. Legault reaffirmed his politics immediately before being elected by proclaiming his desire to use the notwithstanding clause to bar public officials from wearing religious garments such as the hijab or the
The blurry line of controversial speech Ali Rizvi’s talk at the recent UTM Snider Lecture is a reminder that free speech, unless inciting violence or hate, must be upheld Sharmeen Abedi UTM Affairs Columnist
Central to the university experience is exposure to a variety of perspectives, including controversial ones. In my three years as an undergraduate, I have learned that it is necessary for students to become comfortable with other opinions, especially those that come as a shock or that make them question everything they know — however difficult it may be. Such a predicament occurred last Tuesday for many Muslim students at UTM’s annual Snider Lecture. This year’s lecture featured controversial figure and award-winning author Ali A. Rizvi, whose talk was entitled, “The Muslim Enlightenment: The rise of secular thought among young Muslims.” Rizvi openly talked about his journey from being a Muslim to becoming an ‘ex-Muslim.’ Many students, including myself, were apprehensive about Rizvi speaking at UTM, a campus that is known for its cultural diversity and large Muslim population. Many students believed that UTM was wrong to invite Rizvi, under the perception that he held anti-Islamic views. Being a Muslim, I too disapproved of this invitation, yet was curious enough to attend the lecture.
Contrary to what I expected, Rizvi did not spend much time talking about his own personal experiences. Rather, he discussed examples of blasphemy law, which allows governments to legitimize violence against bloggers and activists in countries like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. In Pakistan, blasphemy — the act of insulting religion — is a criminal offence punishable by death. This law became a matter of international debate when a student, Mashal Khan, was lynched on his university campus after being accused of blasphemy. Rizvi remarked that such incidents are a serious problem in many Muslim countries. I noticed that the event brought out a great number of Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Clearly, the topic of the lecture was intriguing for students of all beliefs. Some students had voiced their indignation at this lecture, saying that they would not attend out of protest. Following the lecture, I thought about possible reasons why Rizvi should not have been allowed, but I could not come up with any. Setting aside my own personal opinions, I realized that the university had every right to call in whichever speaker they wished. According to its website, the Snider Lecture Committee’s aim is to bring in speakers who “enrich the intellectual and cultural life of the UTM com-
kippah. The election of both Ford and Legault is made possible by the same mechanism that garnered large amounts of support for contrarian celebrities like U of T’s Jordan Peterson or Faith Goldy. When working within this mythological framework of Canada as a radically progressive nation-state, a state that will bend backward to sustain its trans, Muslim, and minority citizens, rhetoric that targets minorities is reframed as anti-government dissent. Challenging the presence of immigrants or denigrating minority religious communities becomes a form of subversive rebellion in which those who perpetuate these discourses are heralded as underdogs who ‘stand up for’ the disenfranchised against what is reconstructed as abusive hegemony. This is an ideological consequence of our excited sponsorship of the illusion of Canada’s progressiveness. The illusion is adopted, exaggerated, and weaponized, and it munity.” Although that was not my reaction, I could tell that many people in the audience did consider this to be an intellectual discussion relevant to them. It made me realize that, at the end of the day, despite my personal outrage, I have no basis to argue that speakers such as Rizvi should not be included on campus. Universities are safe places for expressions of individual thought and differing ideas, even if they may offend us. As long as the speech does not incite violence or hatred, there is really no basis for protest. And that is reasonable; not every opinion will be satisfactory for all of us. The University of Toronto’s Statement on Freedom of Speech states that while opinions expressed on campus can sometimes generate controversy, the university will ensure that freedom of speech on all sides is protected. While Rizvi’s opinions did generate controversy, the backlash is no reason to exclude him from speaking. The university’s statement also notes that, in certain cases, free speech may even supersede mutual respect and civility. So while everyone is allowed to express outrage at such an event, the outrage cannot result in formal action unless the speech directly involves violence or discrimination. While Rizvi’s beliefs may be offensive to Muslim students, there are no grounds on which his invitation to UTM can be officially protested. Free speech on university campuses is a tricky issue because the line between controversial speech and discrimination is not always clear. It is important to realize that, ultimately, it is university policies around free speech that decide the issue — not student opinion. Free speech includes the freedom to express
actively works to undo any sort of social liberality we have obtained. This is not to say that these conservative figures and trends are aberrations in a tradition of political progressiveness. There have been some victories for social progress that were made by the Liberal Party in past years, but framing the party as an icon for progressiveness plays into the mythology even more. The truth is that any major party is going to be constantly negotiating between conservative and progressive policies, and oversimplifying this process renders resistance to elements of conservatism impossible. Especially with the current sweep of conservative victories, we need to ensure that we do not romanticize the period when the Ontario Liberal Party had control of the province. We should criticize Ford’s government while remaining aware that it was Wynne’s government that privatized Hydro One and consistently sided with the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party to disparage the New Democratic Party (NDP) during elections. While the current sweep of conservative victories isn’t necessarily a stark deviation from Canadian political trends, it is still jarring and needs to be resisted. As university students, we should be particularly concerned with these political trends, if for no other reason than because they are detrimental to the width of our wallets. Though Ontario’s Liberals have been economically conservative on other issues, their education policies have granted students a number of concessions, including significant increases in Ontario Student Assistance Program grants in 2017. During the Ontario provincial election, while the NDP’s Andrea Horwath pledged to replace government loans with non-repayable grants and to cancel interest on current student loans, Ford remained suspiciously silent on the issue of tuition. In fact, Ford’s government has been silent on any issues related to postsecondary education, other than that of free speech. However, having a staunchly conservative government usually means cuts to social programs, and Ford has been resolute in his insistence that his government will cut taxes for Ontarians. The future that is being shaped by current trends is dangerous and uncertain. Space is being made for people like Goldy, who has clear white nationalist and alt-right ties, to compete in mayoral elections. Space is being made for people like Maxime Bernier, who decries multiculturalism as a central problem in Canada, to have a legitimate shot at being elected prime minister. What is certain in all this is that there is no longer space for us to don our blinders and continue sponsoring the illusion that Canada is a safe haven of progressive politics. Meera Ulysses is a second-year Equity Studies and Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations student at New College. She is The Varsity’s Current Affairs Columnist. controversial opinions that may not be agreeable to everyone. This reminds me of a quote from Daredevil, which suggests that sometimes the division between good and evil is a sharp line and other times it’s a blur. The same principle applies to free speech on campus: it is usually a sharp line in cases of hate speech, but for controversial issues, it is often a blur. Sharmeen Abedi is a fourth-year Criminology, Sociology, and English student at UTM. She is The Varsity’s UTM Affairs Columnist.
Ali Rizvi recently gave the Snider Lecture at UTM.
SHANNA HUNTER/THE VARSITY
Editorial
October 15, 2018 var.st/comment editorial@thevarsity.ca
A gateway policy — not a ‘gateway drug’
The legalization approach for cannabis should be extended to all drugs The opioid overdose crisis points to the need for reform in drug policy.
SHANNA HUNTER/THE VARSITY
The Varsity Editorial Board
As the theme of this week’s issue may make you aware, recreational cannabis use will be legalized on October 17. While this is grounds for celebration, cannabis legalization should also open up serious consideration for the legalization and regulation of all presently illicit drugs. Drug use should not be viewed through a criminal justice lens, which results in unnecessary arrests and imprisonments and forces drug users to live with the lifelong consequences of a criminal record. Instead, drug use should be dealt with as a matter of public health. This is especially true given the opioid crisis that is currently afflicting the country. Understanding addiction By criminalizing the possession of drugs, addiction — recognized by both the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization as an illness — is also being criminalized. This means that people addicted to drugs face legal penalties, including imprisonment, as opposed to medical intervention and support in order to overcome their addiction. According to a 2012 Statistics Canada report, approximately 21.6 per cent of Canadians 15 and older met the diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder at some point in their lifetimes. At the time, four per cent of Canadians had symptoms of dependency on a substance other than alcohol or cannabis at some point in their life. Substance use disorders were most common among young people between 15 and 24. When a person addicted to drugs
stops using the substance, they are faced with painful or otherwise unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These occur as the person’s brain chemistry slowly returns to normal. These symptoms can prevent people from maintaining normal lives. As a result, people may feel forced to continue using drugs simply to get through the day. For users of harder drugs, such as heroin, withdrawal symptoms can manifest as soon as six hours after their last hit. Although treatment for addiction is available, access to it is not equal nationwide. Some people have more difficulty accessing care due to their location or socioeconomic status. Considering the opioid crisis With the ongoing opioid crisis, considering drug policy reform has become even more critical. In 2017, Toronto saw 303 opioid overdose-related deaths — a 63 per cent increase over the previous year. The chance of accidental overdose is increased when a drug user’s hit contains a dangerous amount of even more potent opioids, such as fentanyl or carfentanil — two extremely powerful painkillers that have, in recent years, begun to show up in supplies of street drugs, such as heroin. In an attempt to self-manage the situation, some drug users have begun carrying naloxone, which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Concerns about accidental overdoses have also spread to university campuses, where student leaders at some schools have been trained to administer naloxone in the event of an overdose on campus. Four colleges at U of T confirmed to The Varsity last year that their
dons do not carry naloxone. Since people who use drugs can never be sure if their drug supply will be lethal, criminalization furthers a lack of quality control, which endangers drug users’ lives. As well, criminalization forces drug users to buy and use substances in secret, and often in unsafe spaces, where the risk of overdosing or contracting a bloodborne infection is more likely. Furthermore, criminalization stigmatizes drug users, making them less likely to seek help for their addiction if they desire it. It also contributes to the number of overdose deaths, since drug users and those around them are more hesitant about getting medical attention for an overdose for fear of police intervention. Legalization as the best course of action In June, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, presented a report to the Toronto Board of Health about the importance of taking a public health approach to drug policy. The report noted that Canada’s decision to criminalize some substances, such as cannabis, but not others was not based on scientific assessments of the risks posed by different substances. Instead, these decisions were made according to “moral judgements and racist ideas about people and the drugs they were using.” De Villa’s report goes on to point out that the War on Drugs, which began in the 1970s, has not been effective at reducing drug use. Thus, it is time to consider the alternatives. Among the recommendations, de Villa highlights the need to decriminalize personal drug use and possession. The possibility of full le-
galization and regulation is also discussed, though, as the report points out, establishing an effective system through which to regulate substances would be extremely complicated. Thus far, no country has opted for full legalization. Despite this, total legalization, if managed correctly, seems to be the best course of action for Canada. Unlike decriminalization, legalization would allow the government to regulate drugs and control their distribution. This means that money would be funnelled away from organized crime, and regulated producers would ensure that drug supplies are not laced with even more potent, more addictive, and, potentially, more dangerous substances. The need for safe injection sites Until harder drugs are legally regulated in Canada, the introduction of more safe injection sites is necessary. These sites allow for more regulated drug consumption and ensure that people are using clean needles. Furthermore, staff members are able to intervene if an overdose occurs. Unfortunately, Ontario’s current Progressive Conservative (PC) government has decided to put a hold on the opening of three new sites, one of which was to be located in Toronto. The government is also considering whether or not to continue funding existing sites. During the 2018 election, PC leader Doug Ford voiced his opposition to safe injection sites. “I believe in supporting people, getting them help,” he said. “I ask anyone out there, if your son, daughter, or loved one ever had an addiction, would you want them to go in a little area and do more drugs? I’m
dead against that.” This stance shows a fundamental lack of understanding of addiction on Ford’s part. As Co-Director of the Ontario HIV and Substance Use Training Program Francisco Sapp pointed out to The Canadian Press, abstinencebased treatment programs have low success rates, with forced rehabilitation likely to be lower still. Ford’s position ignores evidence that these safe injection sites facilitate access to rehabilitation programs and other social supports when a drug user is ready for them. Most importantly, these sites save lives. According to The Canadian Press, the overdose prevention site at Toronto’s Moss Park had reversed about 200 overdoses as of April. The closure of this and other sites would be a huge step backward in the management of the opioid crisis. Public health, not criminal justice Canadian drug policy in general can and should be reimagined. Cannabis legalization provides us with a unique opportunity to learn important lessons about establishing new systems through which to regulate substances — lessons that can and should be applied to other substances in the future. At the very least, cannabis legalization will hopefully start a critical conversation about how drugs, users of drugs, and drug policy should be understood as concerns of public health, not criminal justice. The Varsity’s editorial board is elected by the masthead at the beginning of each semester. For more information about the editorial policy, email editorial@ thevarsity.ca.
Letters to the Editor Re: A look at the Blue Jays’ forgettable 2018 season “should of talked about the young pitching core. Borucki, Reid-Foley, and Pannone were all solid and promising. This article might be a bit too pessimistic about the jays” — Seijoong Chu (from web) Re: Keesmaat brings little substance, her audience little scrutiny “This is a Bad Take. I’m not sure if I object more to calling Robert Moses “successful” or to calling Keesmaat “high-pitched” but both are... Bad Takes.” — Katherine Roberts (from web)
Re: New Indigenous College at U of T recommended by Faculty of Arts & Science commission “And cluster-hire Indigenous faculty while you’re at it, please. This is how you take a good intention and transform into action.” — Rhonda Chung (from web)
Re: “Ableist and discriminatory content” described at training sessions for test invigilators “Outrageous, but not surprising. Prejudice and discrimination against the disabled in post secondary education is well documented. Right thinking people must demand an end to all forms of prejudice and discrimination and call out those who are complicit through silence and by spreading falsehoods in support of the status quo.” — Paul Gilbert (from web)
Re: What does effective mental health advocacy look like? “I can offer you this one simple lesson about effective mental health advocacy It does NOT include telling people there is a stigma!” — Harold Maio (from web)
Re: Mayoral debate at Scarborough campus focuses on transit issues “If anyone wanted Faith she would be polling more than 1% with TORONTO voters. She is not wanted nor welcomed here.” — Kelly Fairchild (from web) Re: Physics has a diversity problem “Many *egalitarian countries like Canada, the US, and the UK, have, in fact, *fewer women in math and science compared to countries like Lebanon or Iran.” — Briant K Martin (from web)
10 | THE VARSITY | FEATURES
Amnesty, Nationalized How the federal government will handle past marijuana convictions after legalization Writer: Fiona Cashell Illustrators: Pearl Cao, Troy Lawrence, Fiona Tung
On October 17, Canada will become the second country in the world after Uruguay to legalize recreational marijuana use. The newly legitimate industry is set to bring in a lot of money for the Canadian economy — based on Statistics Canada estimates, Canadians spent approximately $6 billion on cannabis in 2017. According to the 2015 Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey, 12 per cent of the population uses marijuana. With production taking place domestically, the cannabis industry will generate more money than alcohol and tobacco, which depend on imports. As marijuana users and economists rejoice, many questions still remain, including how previous cannabis-related convictions will be handled. Bill C-45, also known as the Cannabis Act, was passed by the Senate in June. However, there was little mention of what this change will mean for people who have been previously convicted or are currently serving sentences for weed-related charges. Currently, having a weed-related charge on your record can make finding a job, entering another country, and obtaining a loan difficult. Additionally, those with any criminal charges, including weed-related ones, will be unable to work in the cannabis industry post-legalization, a stipulation that many activists have found to be hypocritical. This lack of information has led many groups to mobilize and demand action from the government. The call for the pardoning of past convictions has resulted in other social movements, especially a call to examine the racially biased delivery of justice in this country. *** The legal history of marijuana in Canada Although Canada is among the first nations to legalize marijuana, it was also one of the first to make it illegal. Marijuana was first made illegal in Canada in 1923, under Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. The drug was a last-minute addition to a bill that was set to make heroin and codeine illegal. At that time, few people knew of or used marijuana in Canada, and there is no recorded evidence that its criminalization was debated in Parliament. Movements to legalize marijuana began in 1969, through the Le Dain Commission. Completed in 1973, the commission’s report recommended that the Pierre Trudeau government decriminalize marijuana possession and consider the
possibility of legal distribution. The recommendations were never acted upon. In 2001, medical marijuana use became legal under the guidance of the Canadian Medical Protective Association and Health Canada. When Justin Trudeau was elected prime minister in 2015, the decriminalization of weed was one of the promises he made to voters. While this promise seems to be coming to fruition, there is still a vast amount of missing information about what will happen to the hundreds of thousands of people who have been arrested for possession during the nearly 95 years in which marijuana has been illegal. A racial divide The general perception of marijuana and police in Canada is that the laws and consequences are not as dramatic as those in the United States. In fact, after medical marijuana was legalized in Canada, hundreds of Americans sought refugee status in order to avoid legal persecution for using or growing medicinal marijuana. However, the Canadian government has also dealt harsh penalties to those who have participated in marijuanarelated activities prior to legalization. Statistics Canada stated that police had reported 55,000 cannabis-related offences in 2016. Although this number is an 11 per cent decrease in offences from the previous year, it is important to note that these arrests are not dealt with evenly across all communities. While cannabis use in Canada is, for the most part, equal across ethnicities, people of colour in Canada are arrested disproportionately more. This is an issue that has been widely discussed in the United States, with the American Civil Liberties Union reporting that Black people are 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana, based on arrests from 2001–2010. While this issue is widely publicized in the United States, less is known about these statistics in Canada. One hurdle in conducting this research is that, unlike in the United States, there are no centralized records regarding race for arrests in Canada. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that Black and Indigenous people are highly overrepresented in Canadian prisons. According to the John Howard Society of Canada, a non-profit dedicated to reforming the
justice system, Black people in Canada are overrepresented by over 300 per cent and Indigenous people by almost 500 per cent relative to their respective populations as of 2017. According to a Vice News article by University of Toronto professor Akwasi Owusu-Bempah and PhD student Alex Luscombe, there is a large divide in arrest numbers for Black and Indigenous people and white Canadians across the country. Another Vice article presented analyses of police reports from Regina, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Ottawa in 2017. In Regina, for instance, Indigenous people were nine times more likely to be arrested for possession of marijuana than white people. The Toronto Star conducted a similar analysis in 2017 for Toronto, which revealed that Black people with no criminal convictions were three times more likely to be arrested for possession between 2003 and 2013. The reports highlight an uncomfortable truth about the Canadian justice system that is not often discussed. The disparities in prison representation demonstrate that there is much to be done in the Canadian justice system, and that a lack of a pardoning system will impact people of colour especially. The bureaucratic process of amnesty Several states that legalized marijuana in the past few years faced similar struggles when handling amnesty. Colorado has permitted marijuana for recreational purposes since 2012. As of this February, the state was considering granting clemency for inmates who had been charged for non-violent marijuana-related crimes. By applying for clemency, the inmates would have the opportunity to be pardoned by the governor of the state and have their sentences shortened. While discussions to offer this opportunity are the beginnings of a righting of past wrongs, they are also reflective of the state’s overcrowded prisons.
In California, actions a expunge the records of th crimes on their record. B 64 into law in 2016, the eral weed-related laws an back to 1975 to be review adequate information on of expungement, only 23 have begun the process. T pardons is not without o geles Times reported that Nielson equated pardons illegal with a “free pass.” The biggest hurdle tha that, federally, marijuana Canada will not face this expunging records would Based on the structure o Mounted Police’s (RCM to discern which drug ch related and which are no able to erase the long gu outside of Québec in 201 process will be a much m weed-related charges. At present, it is up to i ate their own process for order to be considered, th the Parole Board of Can sentence has been served not be advantageous to t sentence, and the $631 fe prohibit many from appl
The official stance If there are plans to pard records in Canada, the go publicized them. In an in dio, Minister of Border S Crime Reduction Bill Bl the law is repealed and re effect. And so, quite fran
are already being taken to hose with weed-related By signing Proposition state eliminated sevnd allowed cases dating wed. However, without n how to begin the process 3 people in San Francisco The decision to offer opposition. The Los AnCalifornian senator Jim s for acts that used to be ” at individual states face is a is still illegal. Although s issue, the process of d be far from automatic. f the Royal Canadian MP) records, it is difficult harges are marijuanaot. While the RCMP was n registry for all those 13 within four days, the more laborious task for
individuals to initir pardons in Canada. In hey will have to apply to ada five years after their d. This process would those currently serving a ee could discourage or lying.
don or expunge criminal overnment has not yet nterview with CBC RaSecurity and Organized lair asserted that “until eplaced... it remains in nkly, it is premature to
features@thevarsity.ca
The marijuana task force assembled under the Trudeau government, including law enforcement, politicians, and doctors, was assembled to help shape policies regarding marijuana. However, the group assembled does not represent the racial diversity of those who have been disproportionately affected by cannabis criminalization. As the law is being changed at the federal level, Ontario’s provincial government will have little control over how criminal records will be dealt with.
talk about what we might do about records… Once the law is repealed and replaced on October 17th, then we will turn our mind to dealing with those records in an appropriate way.” At a public forum in April 2017, Trudeau acknowledged that marijuana-related charges had disproportionately affected vulnerable and marginalized Canadians, but he would not divulge whether or not pardons would become available. At a news conference this past June, he said that “there is no point looking at pardons while the old law is on the books.”
The role of activism Activism has been at the heart of the marijuana legalization journey. Both individuals and organizations have spoken out about the injustice of marijuana criminalization in Canada. Canadian non-profit NORML asserts that marijuana use is an individual freedom that the government should not control. They supported the Liberals in the 2015 election, calling the campaign the first “referendum on legalization” in Canada. The Canadian Cannabis Coalition has brought cannabis stakeholders across a range of sectors together since 1999, with the goal of “facilitating access to a safe supply of cannabis through research, education and advocacy.” A poll by The Globe and Mail and Nanos Research indicated that 62 per cent of Canadians are, to some degree, in favour of pardoning individuals with weed-related criminal records. Additionally, the Globe noted that some are unsatisfied with the lack of information and are working toward gaining justice. The Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty is one such group that is advocating for those who have been previously charged with weed-related crimes. Toronto-based lawyer and Campaign Director Annamaria Enenajor argued that merely removing the fees for pardons is not enough for the government to reconcile the consequences that those charged with marijuana-related crimes have faced. In an earlier inter-
view with Vice, she said that “it’s not only about reducing barriers in terms of access to justice and fairness and equality, it’s about actively pursuing it as part of their policy platform.” The Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty has remained a strong voice in the movement for pardoning past weedrelated crimes. The group also presented a private member’s bill alongside New Democratic Party MP Murray Rankin that would delete the record of a person’s minor, non-violent possession charge. Legalities moving forward Although recreational cannabis will be made legal, there will still be stiff penalties regarding regulations from Bill C-45. According to a CTV interview with marijuana activist Jodie Emery, maximum sentences can go “up to 14 years, equating cannabis to pornography with children, terrorism, and assaulting police.” Crossing the border to the United States might also become more complicated, with US Border Control asserting that Canadians can be banned from entering the US for marijuana use or intended involvement in the US marijuana industry. So far, there is no specific information about how checks will be made and how penalties will be handed out. October 17 will not mark the end of the work that activists have been doing. It will become apparent in the coming days if the government will maintain its promises to discuss pardoning charges after legalization takes effect. In order for legalization to be a celebratory moment in Canadian history, the government must answer these questions of marijuana amnesty.
Arts & Culture
October 15, 2018 var.st/arts arts@thevarsity.ca
A guide to getting through the school day whilst high
Grab your sunnies and seize the day: Visine and confidence are the only things you need Liam Bryant Varsity Contributor
Past a certain point, even the best things can go sour. Too much sun and you might find yourself burned. A litre of ice cream might make you yack. And three fat bowls of Toronto’s finest herb might not be conducive to a boundless education. So, let’s say, for argument’s sake, that you, dear reader, had a wild Tuesday night in and find yourself hungering for the crisp snap of the Devil’s Lettuce the morning of your lecture. Well you, my friend, have some options. Before you leave the house, grab your sunglasses. Try to inscribe which class you have this morning in the back of your mind, so that even your subconscious simian brain can help you find it. Spray yourself with some random perfume tester or that almost-dead deodorant lying around your room. Cross yourself to invoke the will of all that is good and holy before you step outside. And for God’s sake, skip the Tim’s. No, you don’t need round glasses, a Kånken, or even a Tumblr to drink water recreationally, so take some with you. I’m talking a camel’s worth. And please take measured steps — we don’t want any casualty reports coming from Queen’s Park Station because your legs forgot they had feet attached to them. Once you’re at King’s College Circle, you’re only halfway there. Now would be a good time to take a swig of some of that aqua if you haven’t already. Try hard not to smile weirdly at everyone who passes you on the streets, and try even harder not to pet every dog that walks by. You do, however, get 10 points if you see Meric Gertler or any dogs in strollers.
You might really be feeling the munchies hit hard at this point — in that case, grab the preprepared snacks from your bag. But you didn’t bring snacks because you’re a stoner, so bother that person you lived with in first year eating their lunch outside Hart House for the rest of their granola bar. Full and satisfied, you can now saunter to your class, probably close to 30 minutes late. Once you’re in class, find the seat at the very back in case your body chooses lethargy over learning. Your hand-eye coordination won’t be winning you any gaming competitions at this point, so also sit behind someone typing incredibly quickly on an Apple Macbook Pro with Touchbar™ (2016, brightness turned all the way up). This way, you just have to follow along the screen
in front of you, and not the tenured, highly learned professor researching the field you’re sitting in on. If and when you forget your pen, also bother that same person in front of you for one. Odds are in your favour that they’ll bequeath it to you. Make sure to curtsy and say, “M’lady,” in appreciation before sitting down. If they catch you staring at the screen, or if you’re in a classroom from 1867 and there’s a laptop ban in place, have that pen and paper ready to doodle on when you get bored, 10 minutes after the fact. It’s highly recommended, though certainly not required by any means, that you write some unpleasant facts down on your paper in case you start to get the giggles. You could even list them by severity depending on your proclivity to bust a gut. Once you’ve nearly made it through the lecture, you’re at the home stretch. You’ll need to budget approximately 20 minutes to gather your belongings slowly, so you don’t make any loud noises. Then zip up your bag at half the speed of light, giving the person in front of you whip-
lash when the class is over. Being in the back, you can dip out of there quickly. Get onto any major street and be on the lookout for some grub ASAP. Your high may be fading at this point, but not to worry. You may have forgotten to give that person back their Muji pen (their loss!), and anything you were able to learn in your lecture, but you certainly didn’t forget your grinder. Oh, and when you remember the office hours appointment you scheduled, which is in 20 minutes, feel free to finish your sesh before you go. Apply what we’ve learned from before and you’ll be A-okay. Depending on the material, you might even be in better hands than if you weren’t high. Who the hell wants to talk about Nietzsche when you’re sober? But I digress. After some minimal Muji-managed notetaking (thanks to Apple Macbook Pro with Touchbar™ person) and some weak, giggleand-paranoia-filled moments of eye contact, thank them for their time and be on your way. By the time you make it home, you’ll be ready for the best nap of your life. And you deserve it too. Rest your weary pothead on thy pillow, for tomorrow more challenges await.
Bask in the knowledge that you are blissfully high, whilst your classmates are crying U of TearsTM.
SHANNA HUNTER/THE VARSITY
OCTOBER 15, 2018 | 13
var.st/arts
Hi? HIGH — listen to these ‘chunnnnes’ when you’re jamming A playlist for when you’re living your best life Abigail Wishart Varsity Contributor
We all know how important the role of ‘aux-holder’ is when you get together with your friends to smoke. You need songs that are so great that, when no one wants to speak, you can just sit back, listen, and still have a really good time. Songs to lie back with on a sofa and close your eyes to impressive instrumentals and lyrics clever enough to provide you with something to mull over in your head. Bonus points if the song sounds as spaced out as you feel. If that’s your vibe, pop to your nearest dispensary — but not until October 17, of course — gather your friends, and stick the following on the speakers. “Cheer up, My Brother” by HNNY, 2015 Honestly, just a really lovely song — sweet, soothing, simple vocals over a laidback beat and a gentle, sunny melody. Easy listening. Perfect to bop about to while you fry yourself up some perogies. “Archangel” by Burial, 2007 When I first heard this song, I listened to nothing else for about two weeks. Dense, incredibly produced minimal garage/post-dubstep, and part of a milestone album that paved the way for future experimental electronic artists like Jamie XX and James Blake. It’s actually a very sad and lonely song — listen with caution or you’ll get a bit lost in your
own head. Try to admire the pioneering percussion and unique sound instead of getting lost in a depressive spiral about your ex. “Silver” by Caribou, 2014 If you feel like an album listening session — a great high activity — check out Caribou’s 2014 Our Love, featuring this track and other bangers you may remember from your youth, like the stillgreat “Can’t Do Without You.” “Silver” sounds like travelling through a space tunnel or something — the fading in and out of weird trippy synthy sounds, with high-pitched, half-whispering vocals over the top that create a mini spacey dream world in a song. A perfect choice. “Alberto Balsalm” by Aphex Twin, 1995 It took me a while to get to a point where I could listen to Aphex Twin in a state of anything but complete confusion — so don’t fear if you feel the same. This song, however, can act as your gateway drug. But this time, instead of leading you on to heroin like your mom thinks weed will, it will lead you to one of electronic music’s most important, creative, and talented pioneers. Get lost in five minutes of music that you would never believe was made 20 years ago. “Two Thousand and Seventeen” by Four Tet, 2017 So rich and sweet you won’t believe your ears. Four Tet blew up with his 2017 album New Energy last
Buy Spotify Premium so you can listen to this playlist without disturbing your high.
RENA TOMITRA/CC FLICKR
year and this is one of the best songs off it. Another album you won’t regret listening to from start to finish when you’re baked. “North Circular” by Real Lies, 2015 A light garage beat that wouldn’t feel out of place in a club, with that Mike Skinner vibe of lonely, poetic lyrics, practically spoken instead of sung, laced through it. A really, really gorgeous song. Perfect for late nights in your lounge. “Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead, 2000 Radiohead, as pretentious as the people who say things like this about them, is perfect for listening to while high. The interaction of the different layers of this song is unbelievable and makes it sound so trippy and just really impressive. Perfect ‘blow your mind’ music.
The culture of cannabis: an image up in smoke
Exotic, tantalizing, mysterious: stoner culture has long been part of our reckoning with something outside the law Ashley Manou Varsity Contributor
The first Cannabis sativa seed trekked from Mexico into the United States alongside fleeing revolutionaries in 1911, marking a transborder exchange more than worth your anti-wall sentiments. Since then, needless to say, it has changed hands and plied boundaries many more times. As America awakened to its new leafy cohabitant, the Great Depression and its onslaught of unemployment brought an unfamiliar wave of anti-immigration beliefs, alongside usually racist notions of “evil weed.” Before criminalization
TROY LAWRENCE/THE VARSITY
in 1937, doctors recommended that cannabis users seek treatment for their “reefer madness,” which is also the title of a 1936 cautionary tale about the dark, criminal lives of teens after smoking marijuana. Amid this campaign against the perils of pot, smoking slipped into America’s jazz clubs, where the drawn-out high gave musicians the enlivened rhythm of their era. Louis Armstrong, for one, admitted to lifelong cannabis use and Jack Kerouac, as said by his first wife, first toked with saxophonist Lester Young in the early 1940s, passing the torch from one culturally defining group to the start of another. Kerouac’s Beat Generation, also home to Neal Cassady and William Burroughs, demystified weed for the white middle class, marking the entrance of marijuana into the mainstream and the first time pot had a dominant place in literature. For the Beatniks, smoking had invoked a new prose style — freer, more expressive, and unconventional. By introducing them to this wayside Mexican and African-American culture, where many nicknames for cannabis originate, it fed their cultural fascinations. Kerouac’s contemporary, poet Allen Ginsberg, led one of the first pro-pot rallies. He was both influential to the Beat Generation and the hippie counterculture that subsequently emerged in the ’60s. A sign that hung from Ginsberg’s neck contained all he had to say: “Pot is fun.” His 1965 march was a part of the
critical social upheaval and political activism that marked the time otherwise defined by war, discrimination, and gender inequality. Youth sought change in the neighbourhoods of San Francisco and New York, championing peace and a new sort of social attitude, with pot playing a key role. Before Ronald Reagan’s harsh drug policies dragged pot into a darker light, cannabis counterculture saw its zenith in the daze of 1967’s Summer of Love and the drugfuelled havoc of Woodstock two years later. The 1970 Controlled Substances Act, signed by Richard Nixon, made marijuana a Schedule I drug — the same classification as LSD, heroin, and ecstasy, all equal in both criminality and stigma. The next 20 years were fraught with villianizing portraits of weed — Drug Abuse Resistance Education, imposed max penalties, and Clinton’s shy claim that he “didn’t inhale” — and few comical ones: cult classics like Cheech & Chong, The Breakfast Club, and Cameron Crowe’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High. In the 1990s, however, popular culture took to cannabis counterculture in what is arguably the Golden Age of stoner films; though the decade continued with the strict legal treatment of weed, it created Clerks, The Dude, and Matthew McConaughey’s iconic “alright, alright, alright.” The smoke-filled work of Richard Linklater and Kevin Smith paved the way for the flicks, and even TV shows, of our generation, from Seth Rogen’s leagues of pothead comedies, to the adventures of Harold and Kumar, to the womencentric worlds of Weeds and Disjointed. Stoner culture has long been a part of our reckoning with something outside the law — exotic, tantalizing, mysterious — but it has become disembodied from its image of the idle and softly rebellious smoker. We are the generation that is killing a counterculture, not with the sermons of “just say no” or prescriptions for “reefer madness.” We use legalization and the disorienting reality of a dispensary on Main Street.
“Terrapin” by Bonobo, 2000 If at this point in the playlist, you’re in need of something a little sunnier, then no worries, I’ve got your back: some early Bonobo that I still prefer to pretty much everything he’s made since. Just really, really pleasing to listen to. “Marilyn” by Mount Kimbie featuring Micachu, 2017 Once again, a little bit more upbeat and feel-good. Another perfect ‘bop around the kitchen while you cook up a storm’ song. “Space Song” by Beach House, 2015 End on a high. Beach House’s famous tune just has everything — a lovely melody and vocals, a great hook, some weird synthy things, and lyrics simple enough that you can easily sing along to them no matter what state you’re in. Close your eyes, cuddle your mate, and enjoy.
That archetype of the softly subversive and perpetually misunderstood stoner is in the midst of finding new tools. Who can blame them? We will never smoke the same way as other generations did. When we light up, we are cultivating the cultural influences of a substance and finding that there is no longer the need for a caricature of a smoker in a hapless buddy comedy. Societally, we are erasing the stereotypes it furthers and the connotations it carries — lazy, destructive, unfocused, and all the other unabiding traits that accompany cinema’s potheads. We only need the ordinary person to show us that marijuana isn’t a defining lifestyle, but a way to rework the way we live. Like it or not, weed has been culturally assimilated and, shedding its niches, and stoner culture will eventually lose its subculture status. Gone, at least, is the subculture’s central image — my ‘dealer’ is a hardworking computer science major and, for many, there is no face to pot, no person to codify what using the drug means. We are getting our pot for ourselves, embracing the anonymity of commercial business and mailing services. Stoners aren’t any type of person anymore and their culture will begin to diversify as well. Films will emerge in which ‘stoner’ doesn’t qualify as its own persona, in which the lead isn’t a white male, in which the label of weed culture becomes what we like to watch when we get high, rather than just watching people get high.
14 | THE VARSITY | ARTS & CULTURE
arts@thevarsity.ca
Arkells and their sports, politics, and community Rally Cry
In conversation with lead singer Max Kerman about the band and their upcoming album George Moshenski-Dubov Varsity Contributor
A 10-minute walk east of McMaster University in Hamilton lies Arkell Street. The small residential road is where the alternative rock band Arkells got their name. The band was founded at McMaster in 2004 when lead singer Max Kerman met guitarist Mike DeAngelis at Welcome Week. The members consist of Kerman, DeAngelis, keyboardist Antony Carone, bassist Nick Dika, and drummer Tim Oxford. Now a decade since their debut album, Jackson Square, the band is set to release their fifth studio album, Rally Cry, on October 19. Kerman spoke with The Varsity about the band’s formative years, their contributions to the sports and political worlds, and what’s in store for Rally Cry. The Varsity: What does Hamilton mean to the band? Max Kerman: The whole band grew up in Southern Ontario: London, Guelph, Toronto, Mississauga, Newmarket, but the band was born in Hamilton. That’s the way we like to put it. We feel really lucky being a Hamilton band. We got a lot of opportunities when we were coming up that I feel wouldn’t come to us if we were in Toronto. We had a chance to open up for some of our favourite bands at the local rock-and-roll club because we had good relationships with the promoters, and there weren’t as many bands as there are in Toronto. So I think we got some chances that were unique to being in Hamilton. The other cool thing, when we were in university — I started in 2004 — it was sort of the height of the ‘great indie rock era’ in my mind. A lot of great Canadian bands, Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Constantines — we got to see all those bands at 300 [capacity] clubs, and to see that level of talent up close like that — I think it helped shape who we are. TV: In the summer you played in the Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton for 24,000 fans. What do you think the band means to the city? MK: You know we have a lot of support from the city, or whenever anybody in Hamilton goes out, and [that] makes an impression on the rest of the country. People in Hamilton are especially proud of that. It’s not like anyone’s going to resent you for that. People like their champion — there’s good stuff that’s produced in Hamilton. I think [in] the city, we feel like we get a lot of hometown love when we’re there. I think we’re pretty aware of how awesome each community is, [and] how everybody makes it work, whether it’s small businesses or local community advocates, city councillors — not that everybody always gets along. But I do think that everybody adds something to the party. I am appreciative to be part of the ecosystem that is Hamilton. TV: What accomplishments are you and the band most proud of ? MK: That’s a good question. It’s funny because in music, you don’t sign up to be musicians just to win awards. It’s not like sports, where you want to win a championship. And there’s a part of me that thinks winning an award for writing a song, quote-unquote ‘beating out the competition,’ is kind of stupid. I don’t think that art should be competitive in that way. That said, obviously, everyone likes to win awards, so I’m happy about it. I think, for
me, the thing I’m most proud of is that we just continue to evolve and grow and remain really curious about what it means to be in a band and have lots of conversations within the group that are like, “What’s the next thing we’re going to do?” We’re always trying to push the “what’s the next thing we can do that would be really interesting and exciting to us” and “how can we get people on board with those ideas or that are part of our live show,” whether it’s a piece of merch or a new song. The fact that we’ve had a steady upward trajectory since we started, I think that’s what I’m most proud of. We’ve never really stagnated. I’m really proud of that. TV: “People’s Champ,” “Knocking at the Door,” and “Whistleblower” are not only sports anthems, but are also strong political anthems. Can you share a little bit about the meaning behind the songs? MK: Yeah, I mean that’s one thing I think we’re proud of… that we sort of [share] our politics [with] a much broader audience, like a broader audience that might not be up for talking about the politics I’m interested in talking about. I mean, a song like “Whistleblower” is an ode to journalists who dig deep and dig in a corner and are exposing the truth to a wider audience. “Knocking at the Door” is about the Women’s March and the idea that you have to keep standing up for what you believe in. And, you know, the Women’s March is so inspiring to me, just because it’s sort of all of the things that I think are essential to our lives, equality and acceptance of all different types of people and compassion, and just continue to fight for that. “People’s Champ” is an anti-Trump song, but I didn’t want to do it in a hit-you-overthe-head kind of way. I kind of wanted it to be a little bit more subtle lyrically. The idea behind that song is [that] I think we should all be disappointed and angry about how the current system works. It’s okay if you didn’t like Hillary Clinton, if you thought she was part of the problem, I think there is an argument for that. But to believe that Donald Trump would be the guy to sort you out — I don’t think it’s the best route to go, because he’d be the last guy to help someone out, in my opinion. TV: We’re seeing this hostility toward the entertainment business, especially for those using their platforms to promote political change. Where do you think musicians stand in politics using their platform for change, and what would you say to people who say just stick to music? MK: I think of all jobs, artists and musicians are the most expected. People aren’t as surprised. I think it actually was surprising when [we had] the late show hosts like [ Jimmy] Kimmel talking about health care, or [Colin] Kaepernick, a football player who was talking about police brutality. I think that caught people off-guard and that’s what made some parts of the population annoyed. But I think with musicians, I mean, occasionally I’ll tweet something and somebody goes, “Stick to the tunes” or “I liked you better when I didn’t know your politics.” But I think there is a pretty good precedent with people like [Bob] Dylan or [Bruce] Springsteen or Neil Young [who] talk about their politics in their music. TV: Can you tell me a little bit of the story behind Rally Cry? MK: Actually, this is my first interview with someone who’s heard the whole record. I think
Arkells are going on tour for their new album Rally Cry October 30. Courtesy of MATT BARNES
there’s certain subjects that over the years that I keep coming back to. I think I tweeted a month ago, when someone asked about the record, that there are three types of songs that we kind of come back to all the time: political songs, love songs, and then there are songs about friends and people in the community. This record is 10 songs, so it’s like three, three, and four. Something like that. “Company Night” is a song that was inspired by Sean Spicer, former White House Secretary, and the idea of being somebody who loses who they are, because all they care about is the name they represented, like in the company they work for. With a song like “Hand Me Downs,” there’s a shame you carry with you from where you come from. I think everybody has got a bit of that in them. “American Screams” is about this hysterical conversation between the left and right in America. It touches a bit on gun violence. The idea of calling it Rally Cry is [that] all the songs have an outward-looking perspective. There’s a message that we want to put out there, and when I think about a rally, it’s a very outward experience. You’re coming together and you’re around people that maybe are like-minded, and that’s why the word ‘rally’ kept coming up over the last year and a half. Whether a political rally or a sports rally, there’s this idea of being part of the community and I think all these songs are not songs that a guy with an acoustic guitar is singing from the deeper parts of his inner emotions, but [from] thinking about the world around you. I like guys with acoustic guitars, but we’re trying to do something a little bit broader. TV: The album is 10 songs and three have been released so far. Of the remaining songs, what song are you most excited for fans to hear? MK: You know, we have four records now,
and I think as a fan of bands, I want to be surprised by a band. I want to be surprised and hear something I haven’t heard from the band before. But then, I also want to hear parts of the band that I love and that I come back for, and I think the record has got that. “Hand Me Downs,” to me, is like a “Leather Jacket” 2.0. I think it has that kind of joyfulness, but a bit of sadness. That’s an oxymoron, but the qualities I think people connect with “Leather Jacket,” you’ll find in a song like “Only for a Moment” or “Hand Me Downs,” which I think is comforting as a fan and a listener of our band. But I also want to challenge them to go, “Oh, I haven’t heard that before.” So a song like “Eyes on the Prize,” I think is a good example of that — that’s us doing something different. This is something that we’ve never done before, but eventually want to become part of our catalogue and become a part of who we are. Even a song like “Saturday Night” or “Show Me Don’t Tell Me.” I think we always have a ballad or two and I think [they’re] going to be the [ones]. I think the romantics will connect with [those] most. TV: You guys have mentioned on Instagram that you want to play more campus shows. Have you considered playing at U of T? MK: Yeah, we’re going to figure something out. I don’t know, we do have a big Toronto show in the works. So you’ll hear about that when the record comes out. If it’s not [at] U of T, you’ll just have to go down the street. Arkells’ Rally Cry is set to be released on October 19. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Science
October 15, 2018 var.st/science science@thevarsity.ca
Marijuana: myths and misconceptions
There are many stories told about cannabis, but which ones are true? Misconceptions about marijuana could pose health and safety risks.
EGGROLE/CC FLICKR
Spencer Y. Ki Varsity Contributor
With legalization upon us, separating cannabis fact from cannabis fiction can be difficult. Despite concerns held by many about the Devil’s Lettuce, it is perhaps unsurprising that the majority of U of T students see marijuana use as normal behaviour. In a 2010 survey of UTSG students, 76.7 per cent of students thought that the typical U of T student had used marijuana in the past 30 days. Although only 13.5 per cent of students had reportedly used marijuana in that timeframe, the implication that marijuana use was already socially acceptable eight years ago is apparent. While that social acceptance has clearly translated into governmental action in the time since, like all science turned political, there is a concerning amount of false information circulating in the public sphere. What are these myths and misconceptions and what can someone cautiously curious about weed do to avoid catastrophe? It’s best to begin by defining terms. What is the proper name for the psychoactive substance being legalized on October 17? One may have noted the use of five different names for the contentious plant in the preceding paragraphs. While terms range from the familiar, like ‘ganja,’ to the bizarre, like ‘jazz cabbage,’ there is a wide variety of nomenclature to pick from. While ‘weed’ or ‘marijuana’ might be more common parlance, the most accurate term to use is ‘cannabis.’ ‘Cannabis’ is what is used and defined in the federal government’s Cannabis Act, which comes into effect on October 17. Accordingly, Health Canada has also declared this to be the preferred term, noting that “the term cannabis includes more products than marijuana.”
Let’s proceed to the myth-busting. Myth 1: Cannabis is harmless. While cannabis may seem innocuous compared to the fast killers behind the opioid crisis, it is far from a harmless leaf. Harold Kalant, Professor Emeritus in U of T’s Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, says those most at risk from cannabis use are young people whose brains are still developing. “[They] risk impairment of maturation of ‘executive functions,’ i.e., working memory, learning, problem solving, judgment, etc. The degree of risk depends on the age at which marijuana use began. The earlier use began, and the longer and more intensely it continued throughout adolescence and into early adult years, the greater is the risk of permanent decrease in those mental functions,” he writes. As it is, adolescents and young adults make up roughly half of all cannabis users in Canada. Ruth Ross, a professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, believes that legalization will only cause this number to grow. “It’s concerning that the US National Survey data indicate that cannabis legalization in Colorado resulted in significant increases in use by all age groups, including young adults.” But all that shouldn’t be a problem if cannabis is used by people past age 25, right? Myth 2: Cannabis is harmless past age 25. Despite this being a common belief in some circles, Ross emphasizes that the risks are very real at any age. Although older adults may escape the developmental risks posed to the young, anyone who partakes in cannabis is at risk of developing an acute psychosis, or even a long-term mental health disorder. The risk is greater to those with a genetic vulnerability to mental illness.
Kalant notes that risks also include “chronic cough and chest congestion, memory impairment, poor work performance, [and] motor vehicle and other accidents.” Having thoroughly precluded any notion of chain-smoking blunts, the questions now fall on the adorable cannabis-laced gummy bears and other delights that will soon be hitting shelves. What harm could there possibly be in a pot brownie? Myth 3: Cannabis edibles are harmless. While it is now public knowledge that smoking of any kind is carcinogenic, the harm inherent to a cannabis-laced snack is much more insidious and a danger to the inexperienced, in particular. Bernard Le Foll, a professor and Head of Translational Addiction Research Laboratory in the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, notes that “edibles can be risky to use due to the difficulty of controlling dosage.” Due to their inherent irregularity, edibles may contain more cannabis than they claim. Additionally, Ross says that the effects of marijuana may vary based on the form it is ingested in. “Unlike smoking cannabis, there is a time delay between ingesting the edible and the effect. There is a risk that people may think that the drug has not had any effect and continue to ingest more and more,” Ross writes. “People may set off to drive – not realizing that they will soon become very intoxicated as the edible takes effect.” The key is to obey cannabis-themed variations on familiar adages like ‘don’t drink and drive’ or ‘beware the vodka gummies.’ Yet it seems that every day, there is some article or another extolling the virtues of red wine or calling whiskey the elixir of life. Are the same possible health benefits true of cannabis?
Myth 4–419: Cannabis cures depression, cannabis makes you more creative, cannabis cures alcoholism, cannabis makes you more careful, cannabis cures drug addiction, cannabis generally improves health, et cetera, et cetera. In response to all of the above, Kalant is succinct: “All of those are simply false.” While it is true that medical marijuana has lifted hundreds of people out of debilitation, it is important to remember that medical marijuana treatments are the results of exhaustive study, and only alleviate with certainty a relatively small number of afflictions. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol, the two main components of cannabis, have only been shown to help relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis, nausea, and certain forms of epilepsy. “All other claims of therapeutic effectiveness… are not based on any solid clinical data,” Ross writes. “Many of the claims made about cannabis are totally [unsubstantiated] by research; they are what we would call ‘anecdotal’. In fact, cannabis may make these conditions worse.” This begs one big question: if cannabis is really so terrible, who stands to gain? Like with many questions, the answer lies in following the money. Myth 420: Cannabis is counterculture. Like all things banned, there are certain connotations surrounding cannabis use. For decades, implicit in each edible or joint has been the knowledge that what was being done was opposing the mainstream culture associated with tradition and big business. Yet legalisation is ultimately an economic decision and cannabis is now a business. Like with all businesses, consumers must be aware that
they are being targeted for consumption. “There is increasing evidence that the ‘for profit’, billion-dollar revenue generation model of cannabis legalization in Canada will lead to promotion of products that are aimed at increasing cannabis use to maximize profits,” Ross writes. “Marketing and new products specifically targeted at young adults will start to appear in the coming weeks [or] months. Some of these products have pretty high levels of THC and may also include a mix of alcohol and cannabis – we have virtually no data on the possible short and long terms effects of this combination.” So what is to be done? There are potential benefits to legalization. In particular, Ross notes that the standardization of cannabis products will guarantee that they are free of any additional harmful components that could be included in illicit products. What is critical is that potential cannabis users be prepared to educate themselves fully on the risks. “Users should be cautious,” Le Foll says. “If they want to try cannabis, [they] should do it at low doses… in a safe environment. Being aware of the risks is critical.” To this end, Le Foll recommends the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines. When it comes to parents educating children, Kalant recommends the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction’s Talking Pot with Youth: A Cannabis Communication Guide for Youth Allies. “Adults should be prepared to talk factually to youngsters, don’t lecture at them, but get to know the facts and be prepared to call a spade a spade.”
16 | THE VARSITY | SCIENCE
science@thevarsity.ca
Following legalization, individuals should be more cognizant of the effects of marijuana, and specifically ways in which it can affect the brain.
The brain on cannabis
Research rushes to catch up with legalization Nadia Boachie Varsity Contributor
Marijuana is set to become legal across Canada this week, and Canadians must be well equipped to confront any downstream effects this historic move may have. The Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey found 3.6 million — 12 per cent of Canadians — used cannabis in 2015. Of that population, 24 per cent said they used cannabis for medical purposes.
What does marijuana do to your brain? The endocannabinoid system is a complex signaling system in the brain and surrounding tissues. Though it is not well understood, it has been shown to play a role in immune functions and the development of the nervous system. It is also the system that processes cannabis and plays a role in producing the associated neurological effects. The system consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that transform endocannabinoids in the body. Broadly, endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol are a class of cannabinoids — chemicals present in cannabis — that bind to receptors in cells. Once bound, endocannabinoids act on CB1, a cannabinoid receptor that is found in the brain. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most well described cannabinoids in marijuana. CBD does not produce any of the psychoactive effects, and has been found to block some of the effects of THC by interfering with CB1 receptors. Structurally, THC is similar to anandamide — a naturally occurring endocannabinoid — and has been shown to activate the endocannabinoid system. “[CB1 receptors] are found in many brain regions that control mood, appetite, memory etc. They inhibit the release of an inhibitor transmitter called GABA and this can lead to increased activity of certain brain excitation pathways,” U of T Professor Ruth Ross explained in an email.
Ross’ research investigates the molecular pharmacology of cannabinoids. “There are many unanswered questions about the safety and efficacy of cannabis as a medicine and about the possible harms of cannabis — especially for certain people who may be vulnerable to these effects,” Ross added. “We desperately need more solid clinical data from double blind placebo controlled studies on safety and efficacy.” Marijuana in other areas of medicine There is hope that medical research with cannabis and recreational users will benefit from its legalization. For example, Ross and her team are working on developing “medicines that target the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of liver disease, pain and brain disorders.” Ross said that many medical claims are made about cannabis, but it can actually make some conditions worse. “It is almost unknown of any person who has overdosed on cannabis,” Andrea Furlan, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Staff Physician and Senior Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, wrote to The Varsity. According to Ross, “Cannabis — even at high doses — does not have the type of physiologically dangerous effect that we might see with opioids, which cause respiratory depression and can cause death.” However, because of the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana, it could result in “acute psychosis, paranoia, anxiety, or fear,” and such effects could cause harm to individuals or those around them. Despite low chances of overdosing on marijuana, several studies have sought
For dance flies, size does matter
UTM study shines light on sexual differences in animal mating behaviour
Female North American dance flies enlarge their abdominal sacs to attract mates.
KATJA SCHULZ/CC FLICKR
Kaitlyn Simpson Managing Online Editor
For female North American dance flies, size definitely matters. A recent UTM study discovered that, for North American male dance flies, sexual attraction is highest when female mates display large inflatable abdominal sacs. The study was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B by UTM postdoctoral fellow Rosalind Murray, UTM biology professor
Darryl Gwynne, U of T biology lecturer Jill Wheeler, and University of Stirling biologist Luc Bussiere. To attract male dance flies for fertilization, the researchers found that female flies display signs of sexual ornamentation. The female flies use valuable energy reservoirs to expand their abdominal sacs, which is appealing to their male counterparts. In cases where female dance flies have smaller abdominal sacs, they attract males flies through larger leg scales.
When discussing the reasoning behind her study, Murray said she “wanted to do an experiment to see if these ornaments were actually attracting the males and if they were working in the same way we typically see male ornaments — so, bigger is better.” Why are the female flies using large amounts of energy to attract their male counterparts? According to Murray, the male flies provide them with a “food gift,” because the female flies have lost their ability to hunt, “so the males go hunting and they bring, usually another fly or
to compare long-term use of cannabis versus alcohol in the developing adolescent brain. One study concluded that “lasting effects of adolescent cannabis use can be observed on important cognitive functions and appear to be more pronounced than those observed for alcohol.” The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is prioritizing research on neurodevelopment, prevention, harm and treatment of problematic cannabis use, potency and product safety, social determinants of health, relationship of cannabis use and mental health, potential applications of cannabis, and pain management. “We hope that with legalization there will be more scientists interested in this area, and that Canada will be a leader in research in the world,” Furlan said.
NADIA BOACHIE & KEITH CHENG/THE VARSITY
insect. They kill it and they present it to the female in exchange for mating.” The research took place over a 10-day period on an island in Credit River last June. North American dance flies are peculiar creatures that only appear for one hour at dawn and another hour at dusk. As such, to complete the field research, Murray would wake up before sunrise to study the flies for an hour when they came out. During the day, Murray would analyze the data collected from the morning, and then she would venture out again at 8:30 pm to study the flies until sundown. To test her theory, Murray created models that imitate female shapes and examined the impact of the two ornament types. The research is particularly significant because it demonstrates a stark shift in our understanding of the animal kingdom. Typically, research has suggested that male animals use their energy to attract female counterparts. Much of Charles Darwin’s research, for example, focused on this phenomenon of sexual selection between mates. However, Murray and Gwynne’s research turns this idea on its head. “There are certain ways across animal kingdoms that males and females behave… It’s rare that you do find the vice versa, whereas in these flies, the subject of the paper, females are displaying very male-like traits,” Gwynne said. “They have reversed roles.” Within the field of evolutionary biology, Murray’s study is the first that demonstrates this kind of female sexual ornamentation. “It’s such a bizarre system,” Murray said. “We’re looking at similar questions among many species of dance flies, thinking about how different species have evolved these ornaments.” — With f iles from Srivindhya Kolluru
OCTOBER 15, 2018 | 17
var.st/science
Weeding out the high drivers
Procedures surrounding roadside cannabis testing is hazy, but new tech developments hold promise
TROY LAWRENCE/THE VARSITY
Clara Thaysen Varsity Contributor
When the Cannabis Act comes into effect on October 17, it brings with it a slew of changes to laws regarding possession, distribution, and the selling of cannabis in Canada. Some laws, however, will not be changing. Driving under the influence of cannabis is and will remain illegal after October 17, and rightfully so: several statistics show that driving under the influence of cannabis significantly increases the risk of vehicle crashes, especially fatal ones. Driving high is not uncommon either. A Health Canada survey from 2017 reported that 39 per cent of individuals who use cannabis had driven a vehicle two hours after smoking marijuana. This summer, Parliament passed Bill C-45, which clarified the legal amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the molecule responsible for getting you high — allowed in the blood while driving. Having two to five nanograms of THC per millilitre of blood constitutes a summary offence. Having more than five nanograms could get you jail time. Still, the procedure for determining drug impairment on the road remains hazy. Current testing procedures Law enforcement in Canada currently monitors drug impairment on the road in the same way it does alcohol. If a police officer suspects that you are driving impaired — whether from observing abnormal driving behaviour or simply smelling drugs or alcohol on you during a traffic stop — they can have you take a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST). This test, much like an acrobatics audition, will test your balance and coordination. You might also undergo a drug recognition evaluation (DRE). Here, if alcohol impairment is suspected, a breathalyzer is used. If not, you can be physically examined for evidence of drug use like having your pupil size measured. Lastly, a toxicological sample, like urine, saliva, or blood, is sent to a forensic lab for examination. One of the most glaring differences between
testing for alcohol impairment versus cannabis impairment is that the former is rapid — alcohol impairment can be determined on the roadside — but impairment by any other drug, including cannabis, is determined after the toxicological sample has been examined. The absence of a rapid roadside drug test is concerning, considering the prevalence of drug-related car crashes and the subjectivity of the SFST and DRE. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, in 2014, there were twice as many fatal vehicle crashes involving drugs than crashes involving alcohol. Cannabis accounted for 45 per cent of all these drug cases. Take your breath away Several companies are developing cannabis breathalyzer technology, including SannTek, which is based in Kitchener. SannTek’s breathalyzer is currently being marketed to industries in which drug impairment poses a safety issue, like mining, transportation, and construction, with hopes that law enforcement will follow. Noah Debrincat, CEO and co-founder of SannTek, wrote that the advantage of using breath as a testing medium is that it can only measure recent drug use. “The advantage… is that it actually correlates to when a user would experience the acute impairing effects of cannabis. Contrast this with the use of something like urine tests, where a person could use recreational cannabis safely on Saturday night, and on Monday would fail a urine test requested by an employer, even though they are not impaired,” wrote Debrincat. Vivienne Luk, an assistant professor at UTM and forensic toxicologist, says that cannabis breathalyzers have limitations. “There is limited research on the relationship between THC concentration in the breath and its relation with other bodily fluids, like blood,” wrote Luk. Luk, who regularly testifies in court as an expert witness, says that the functionality of drug screening devices is often questioned in court. “Would smoking, using breath mints, or chewing gum interfere with the functionality of the device? These are questions that are often asked
in court cases involving the alcohol screening devices, so I am certain THC ‘breathalyzers’ will also be subjected to similar questioning.” Saliva sensors have been recently approved by the federal government for roadside cannabis testing, and Toronto police have already completed pilot programs with them. The saliva sensors have similar limitations to breathalyzers: drug concentrations in your saliva can be a diluted representation of what is actually in your blood, potentially leading to underestimations and false negatives. Other bodily fluids If breath and saliva are potentially out, what bodily fluid is left? U of T professor Andreas Mandelis from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering says that interstitial fluid is the answer. Mandelis, whose lab is developing a noninvasive cannabis sensor, says interstitial fluid, the fluid surrounding all the cells in your body, carries an accurate ‘memory’ of substances that are in your blood. For THC, it only takes several minutes after it reaches your bloodstream for it to reach the interstitial fluid. Mandelis and his team measure interstitial fluid THC levels using technology based on infrared radiation. To understand how this works, bear with me for a quick refresher on high school physics. All materials and objects absorb and emit infrared radiation. This includes our own bodies: humans are constantly emitting infrared radiation, which, unlike light, is invisible to the naked eye. Instead, it is perceived as heat. “It’s like in the movie Predator, where the predator couldn’t see in the visible light range but could see in the infrared range,” said Mandelis. “That’s why Arnold Schwarzenegger put mud on his face and body so that he would not be detected… It’s exactly those thermal photons we are looking at.” What is not explained in Predator is that sometimes the wavelength in which a material — or even a molecule — emits radiation is distinct enough that it can be used to identify that material or molecule. “At that wavelength, at that peak, that only belongs to one molecule,” said Mandelis. This means that if the titular antagonist from Predator had a more sophisticated sensor, it could have identified Schwarzenegger as Schwarzenegger, not just as ‘human.’ Thankfully, Mandelis does have a more sophisticated sensor. In order to obtain that specific signature from THC, Mandelis’ sensor directs a laser at your fingertip. Once the laser penetrates to the interstitial fluid — just several microns below the surface of your skin — any THC molecules present will absorb the laser light and re-emit it as infrared radiation at a frequency that is specific to THC. “Once the heat is emitted, I have an infrared sensor that can monitor that,” said Mandelis. Here lies another benefit of testing interstitial fluid to monitor THC concentrations: it is non-invasive. In other words, you can measure the level of THC in your body without actually pricking, poking, or taking any sort of tissue or fluid sample. Moving forward Be it a breathalyzer, saliva sensor, or infrared detector, we may have some type of roadside cannabis sensor soon. While technological advancement is important, we cannot forget the human and physiological factors. Luk noted that the levels of THC in your body may be influenced by the user profile. Whether you are an occasional or chronic smoker and whether you smoke or ingest cannabis can influence how much THC ends up in blood, how quickly, and for how long. For now, Luk suggests that we do not abandon our current roadside methods. “It is important to keep in mind that these devices are designed for screening purposes only, meaning a positive result is a tentative finding and confirmation with a more accurate technique is required.”
Science Around Town Emily Deibert Varsity Staff
Accountable AI Systems How can we hold artificial intelligence (AI) responsible for its decisions? In this lecture, Professor Mark S. Fox will discuss system accountability in the context of AI. Date: Tuesday, October 16 Time: 4:00–6:00 pm Location: Centre for Ethics, 15 Devonshire Place, Room 200 Admission: Free with registration The Future of Sustainable Buildings This instalment of the Sidewalk Toronto Public Talks series will feature a panel discussion on sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings. Date: Tuesday, October 16 Time: 7:00–9:00 pm Location: 307 Lakeshore Boulevard East Admission: Free with registration 37th Annual Philippa Harris Lecture on Bioethical Issues in Cancer Care Professor Lori Andrews provide insights on innovation, technology, and emerging ethical challenges in the field of cancer care. A light lunch will be provided. Date: Wednesday, October 17 Time: 12:30–1:30 pm Location: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Avenue, Room 6-604 Admission: Free How can we protect soil carbon in forests? In this UTSC Celebration of Research Excellence Lecture, Professor Myrna Simpson from the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences will discuss how climate change is threatening vital carbon soil levels. Date: Thursday, October 18 Time: 12:00–1:15 pm Location: Arts & Administration Building, 1265 Military Trail, Room 160 Admission: Free Sustainability Leaders’ Series: Keynote Lecture Join The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario’s 29th Lieutenant Governor, for a keynote address on sustainability as part of the fourth annual Sustainability Leaders’ Series presented by UTM’s Master of Science in Sustainability Management program. Date: Thursday, October 18 Time: 5:30–8:30 pm Location: UTM Innovation Complex, 3359 Mississauga Road Admission: Free with registration
Sports How I managed to play flag football while high
Defense isn’t so easy when you’re stoned Vincent Ruan Varsity Contributor
Weed is more than just a drug. It can be a gateway to achieving levels of happiness and serenity — at least for me, anyway. I’ve been an avid smoker since my first year at U of T. Three years have passed and now I am sober — for the most part. Ironically, weed is going to be legalized on October 17 but I probably couldn’t care less. There are two main types of weed: indica and sativa. Indica strains are more relaxing, while sativas provide a more uplifting and energizing experience. I’ve used sativa with friends because it’s way more exciting. Indica
October 15, 2018 var.st/sports sports@thevarsity.ca
has helped me sleep, to say the least, but it has had some other interesting effects on me. Two years ago, I was, unfortunately, high during one of the most important moments of my life. Back in second year, I was on the UTSC men’s intramural flag football team for the 2016–2017 season. Our team was on a hot streak. We made it to the final round, playing against UTM. I remember smoking a joint right before getting on the team bus. Normally, a joint wouldn’t hit me that hard. As we warmed up, I remember feeling slightly lightheaded as I was running routes. I thought I was fine, but then the game began, and things took a different turn. Our coach had me starting on defense to begin the game. I will always remember the first play of the game. UTM had a passing play. I remember looking at the player I was defending, struggling to follow him around on man-coverage. I felt a lot slower. My reflexes were down and my judgments impaired because of the indica strain I had smoked. I think I have pretty good endurance and
stamina, yet I felt more tired than usual during the game. When we had the ball, it was also terrible for me. I remember at one point, I was just losing focus on everything going on around me. I couldn’t stay alert. Paying attention was nearly impossible. One of my teammates, Dave, always shouted, “Look alive guys,” to keep us in check. I really needed to hear that, because I started feeling sleepy. One of my most memorable moments in the game was when we were in the huddle. Our quarterback was going over the play that we were going to run. I remembered exactly what route I was assigned. Then, as we left the huddle and lined up on the line of scrimmage, I forgot the route. I remember one of my older teammates yelling at me to get on the other side of the field. The game eventually ended and we beat UTM. Playing in an important game while high was definitely an interesting experience, and on the bus ride home, I simply passed out. I probably wouldn’t do it again.
TROY LAWRENCE/THE VARSITY
Blues women earn comeback victory over Windsor
Five different players scored for Toronto Jaime McLaughlin Varsity Contributor
The Blues were unable to match Ryerson’s speed on Friday night.
MARTIN BAZYL/Courtesy of the VARSITY BLUES
Blues men’s hockey lose to Ryerson Rams in home opener Ryerson defeats Toronto 6–2
Vincent Ruan Varsity Contributor
The Varsity Blues men’s hockey team dropped their home opener 6–2 against the Ryerson Rams on Friday night. The Blues opened the game with first-year forward Nathan Hudgin scoring on a pass from David Thomson, beating Rams goalie Garrett Forrest to provide the Blues with a 1–0 lead. Despite the Blues’ early goal, the Rams looked to be more aggressive on offense, leading 12–6 shots on goal after the first period. Ryerson started the second period with a strong push, tying the game at 1–1 less than a minute into the period. With no time wasted, Ryerson found themselves back in the game with a goal scored by forward Devon Paliani. The Rams then capitalized on a power play, extending their lead 2–1 with a goal by Matt Mistele. The Blues’ defense struggled as Ryerson’s Steven Harland and Devon Paliani found the back of the net, making it a 4–1 game, and Paliani’s second of the game. The second period belonged to the Rams as they scored an impressive four goals while shutting out the Blues’ offense. At the end of the period, the
Rams offense dominated with a staggering 32–18 shots on goal. The Rams never looked back, as they scored again to begin the final period. U of T managed to score with a goal by Josh Hanson, cutting the lead 5–2 and bringing hopes of a comeback. Ryerson then added on another goal, dashing any chances of a comeback. Blues goalie Alex Bishop struggled on the night, allowing six goals. Forrest saved 30 shots of 32 attempts, helping Ryerson cruise to an easy 6–2 win. “It wasn’t one of our better performances. We’ll just leave it at that,” said Blues defender Josh Hanson. “We expect a lot better of ourselves.” When asked about the momentum lost in the second period, Hanson replied, “I think it’s as simple as we just weren’t ready to play in the second period.” However, considering future games, Hanson said, “Games in back-to-back nights like this, you can’t dwell on the negative. We’re not going to sit here all night and think about how differently this game could have gone.” “We’re definitely going to strive to wipe this one clean of our memories,” he concluded. “We’re going to go forward and play some better hockey.”
Supporters turned out to watch the Blues women’s hockey team kick off their regular season in fantastic fashion on Saturday night, as the squad posted a 5–3 comeback victory over the Windsor Lancers. It was a true team effort for the Blues, as five different players scored and 10 recorded points on the evening. Toronto dug themselves into a hole early, as Windsor fired off two quick goals in the first four minutes. The Blues caught a tough break later on in the period, as Taylor Trussler and Louie Bieman were sent to the box for minor penalties about a minute apart. Amy Maitre was quick to take advantage of Windsor’s five on three advantage, converting on powerplay to put the Lancers up 3–0 with five minutes remaining in the first. Maitre’s goal proved to be the last for the Lancers, however, and Toronto remained poised, relying on its veteran leadership and the strength of its forecheck to counter Windsor’s chippy, physical play. Stephanie Ayre’s goal from Trussler and Mathilde de Serres with about 30 seconds left in the frame was “really big” for the Blues, said Bieman, proving to energize both players and fans alike as the Blues headed into the first intermission down 3–1. The latter two periods were all Blues, as Toronto scored four unanswered goals between the two periods to put the game away. The home side upped its
intensity on their forecheck and absolutely dominated the second period, with the visiting Lancers struggling to even advance the puck past the centre line out of their own zone. Lauren Straatman scored a powerplay goal on the back of some great puck movement from Cristine Chao and Louie Bieman to cut the lead to just one point with 12 and a half minutes to go in the second, while Kassie Roache tipped in a beauty feed from Jana Headrick just three minutes later to tie it up at three apiece. The Blues came storming out of the gates in the third, bringing fans to their feet as de Serres buried the go-ahead goal off an Ayres rebound just a minute into the period. Bieman provided the insurance marker with six minutes left in the game, showing off some nifty stick work to deke out the Windsor tender right in front of the crease and making it 5–3 Blues. Coach Vicky Sunohara was pleased with her team’s ability to “keep composed,” and she credited the strength of the forecheck as well as the first line of Straatman, Bieman, and Roache, who “clicked well, passed the puck, and created a lot of chances.” Fifth-year assistant captain Julia Szulewska gushed about her team’s performance under pressure. “You could just see it in our eyes that we wanted it more,” she said. “[The comeback] shows what kind of team we are. We don’t give up, and it was amazing to see.” Second-year goalie Madeline Albert was solid, stopping 18 of 21 shots for the win.
The Blues had five goals to celebrate on Saturday night.
MARTIN BAZYL/Courtesy of the VARSITY BLUES
OCTOBER 15, 2018 | 19
var.st/sports
Should weed be legal for athletes too?
WEEKLY BOX SCORES
Athletes using cannabis is no longer taboo
SOFTBALL
OUA Championship @ Peterborough
Michael Phoon UTSC Affairs Columnist
There’s a societal stigma that surrounds marijuana usage, one that doesn’t stop beyond the locker rooms of various professional sports teams. A considerable number of professional athletes have or currently use marijuana to assist with their athletic craft and alleviate pain after strenuous exercises and competitions. In the past, when professional athletes dabbled with the drug, the associated stigma and the punishments enforced against them resulted in ruined careers. Even after October 17, professional athletes playing in Canada will still be unable to use the drug, as the global antidoping community and various collective bargaining agreements have maintained cannabis on the prohibited list. Many professional athletes have shared that they’ve used marijuana during their careers, citing pain management, anxiety, and insomnia. According to The Huffington Post, “former NBA players Jay Williams and Cliff Robinson have been outspoken advocates for cannabis in the NBA with Williams estimating that 80% of NBA players are already self-medicating with the plant.” However, the medical uses of cannabis are different from its recreational use, and it should not be considered in the same vein as taking other performanceenhancing drugs. Playing fair must remain central to sports. Marijuana can have different effects on different people; some feel more relaxed, while others may feel more anxious, afraid, or panicked.
October 13
9–5 Guelph Gryphons
Varsity Blues
6–5 Ottawa Gee-Gees
Varsity Blues
FIELD HOCKEY October 13
3–1 Waterloo Warriors
Varsity Blues
5–0
October 21
Varsity Blues
vs
Guelph Gryphons
Western Mustangs Varsity Blues
FOOTBALL October 13 October 20
MEN’S October 12
October 13
TROY LAWRENCE/THE VARSITY
When it comes to marijuana usage for professional athletes, there might not be a potential fair use of weed beyond the medical purpose. While societal perspec-
tives surrounding weed have shifted, when it comes to sports, there are some traditions of rules that still need to be enforced.
46–8 Guelph Gryphons
vs
York Lions
Varsity Blues
Varsity Blues
HOCKEY 6–2 Ryerson Rams
Varsity Blues
4–3 Varsity Blues
Waterloo Warriors
October 19
Varsity Blues
@
Nipissing Lakers
October 20
Varsity Blues
@
Laurentian Voyageurs
WOMEN’S October 13
5–3 Varsity Blues
Windsor Lancers
October 20
Varsity Blues
@
Nipissing Lakers
October 21
Varsity Blues
@
Laurentian Voyageurs
MEN’S
LACROSSE
October 12 October 20
21–6 Western Mustang
Varsity Blues
@
Varsity Blues
Brock Badgers
WOMEN’S October 13 Varsity Blues
October 14 Varsity Blues
Varsity Blues
October 19–21
14–5 @ Oshawa 9–8 @ Oshawa 14–7 @ Oshawa
Brock Badgers
Western Mustang
McMaster Marauders
OUA Championship @ Peterborough
RUGBY October 13 October 21
MEN’S October 13
90–0 McMaster Marauders Varsity Blues
@
Varsity Blues
Waterloo Warriors
SOCCER 2–0 Ryerson Rams
Varsity Blues
October 20
Nipissing Lakers
vs
Varsity Blues
October 21
Laurentian Voyageurs
vs
Varsity Blues
WOMEN’S October 13 October 20 October 21
1–1 Varsity Blues Nipissing Lakers Laurentian Voyageus
Ryerson Rams
vs
Varsity Blues
vs
Varsity Blues
20 | THE VARSITY | DIVERSIONS
OCTOBER 15, 2018 ACROSS 1. Water collection areas 6. Birdhouse nester 10. Burns up the telephone line 14. Columbia catch 15. Lifted, as an anchor 16. Dash of panache 17. Athenian square 18. Old World wild goat 19. Bailiff’s request 20. Indignant displeasure 22. Apportion (out) 23. Dow Jones listings (abbr.) 24. Like some points 25. More of a busybody 29. Fever or cruiser preceder 32. Heroic narratives 33. Tears 37. Commend a G.I. 38. Cause of waste? 39. Backyard tree dangler 40. Memory stirrers 42. Comic-strip wife 43. Facilitates 44. Starter’s need 45. Ahead of the bell 48. Was out of sight? 49. Boot camp truant 50. Greens 57. Matter of interest? 58. Of higher rank than 59. Bolivian beast 60. Fox or turkey chaser? 61. Having no loose ends? 62. Urchin 63. His partner 64. Benevolent order 65. Hub for United
The Friends of the Library Trinity College
43rd Annual in the University of Toronto
BOOK SALE October 18-22, 2018
Thursday, October 18 11am – 9 pm Admission $5
Friday, October 19 10am – 9 pm Saturday, October 20 10am – 8 pm Sunday, October 21 noon – 6 pm Monday, October 22 10 am – 8 pm Free admission Friday – Monday
cash . debit . Amex MasterCard . Visa
Trinity College, 6 Hoskin Avenue www.trinity.utoronto.ca/booksale 416.978.6750 Charitable registration #119269751RR0001
DOWN 1. Award of merit 2. Do more than ask 3. Calls from the field 4. Unblemished 5. Golf coach’s concerns 6. Instincts sometimes indulged 7. Choir member’s outerwear 8. Without bumps 9. Cry to the queue 10. Sprouts 11. Xenophobe’s thorn 12. Cookbook instruction 13. Ugly expression 21. Geologic feature 24. Christmas staple 25. Head turner? 26. Early Ron Howard role 27. Developer’s concern 28. Bits of hail 29. Detective’s load 30. Circus lineup 31. Bonnet invader 33. Placid, for example 34. Commit a pinball foul 35. Deducer’s word 36. Playful pinniped 38. Isn’t out of 41. Verbalize 42. Spanish nobleman 44. Cherry center 45. Inheritance of the meek 46. Not in the dark? 47. Palindromic spinner 48. Chisholm Trail sights 50. November exhortation 51. Good competition 52. Computer whiz 53. Far from thrilling 54. “Lost Horizon” figure 55. Bahrain bigwig 56. Fit to be tried?
Get Your TTC Post-Secondary Photo ID Carry your TTC pus My Cam Post-Secondary Student ent Photo ID when using your A. Stud Post-Secondary Student monthly Metropass and present it to TTC staff upon request. Post-Secondary Student ID photos will be taken on: St. George Campus, Hart House Reading Room Tuesday, September 25 and Tuesday, October 23, 2018 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Scarborough Campus (room TBA) Thursday October 18, 2018 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Important: Metropasses are being discontinued on December 31, 2018. Starting in November, 2018, you can purchase the Post-Secondary Monthly Pass on PRESTO and will need the TTC Post-Secondary Photo ID to get the discount rate.
Visit ttc.ca for more information.