I might be able to understand someone drawing the conclusion Canadians are potheads if the right (wrong?) area is visited, and that is the only area you are basing your conclusion on. I used to live in the East Kootenays, and still go back there every summer for a week or two on the lake. There are many locals there that fit the hippy stereotype to a tee, and Nelson certainly has a rep for it. I agree that all the discussion about legalized pot and gay marriage probably throws fuel on the fire as well. However to draw that conclusion about Canadians in general would be as fair as saying all Americans are intolerant war mongering bigots.
I myself can't use the stuff. At the very least, I get way too paranoid to have an intelligent conversation with someone, and usually just want to crawl into a hole and sleep. Then there are the nights when I have had a few drinks, and decide that a hit or two off the friend's pipe would be ok. Those are the nights I leave mounds of vomit every ten feet making a trail leading to my clammy, sweaty, heaving body. I have learned my lesson (slowly) and avoid the stuff at all costs.
I have some friends and relatives that are regular users. Some are recreational users who will use in a party setting, while others I would classify as chronic users who use at least once a day, if not every four to six times a day, including at work. It is not hard to see the difference in these people with their behaviours. It amazes me how much chronic use can diminish your ambition.
Argue all you want about which substance is worse, but too much pot, liquor, gambling - anything - is going to adversely affect your life. Should the government have the authority to control these vices? Probably, if they are going to be responsible for facilitating your recovery, and possibly paying your rent when the damage becomes extreme.
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"Cammy just threw them in my locker & told me to hold on to them." - Giordano on the pencils from Iggy's stall. 
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