As excitement grows over the imminent legalization of cannabis throughout Canada, a search and rescue team in British Columbia warned this week via blog post against the dangers of consuming cannabis in the backcountry.
Specifically, North Shore Rescue — one of the busiest search and rescue crews in B.C. — is alarmed by the emerging concept of outdoor, commercial cannabis adventures.
“NSR takes no position on consumption or experimentation with cannabis as it relates to peoples private lives, so long as it is done responsibly and safely. That being said, we do take a position on consumption and experimentation with cannabis, and other drugs, including alcohol, when it is done in the mountains.
…When you’re high in the mountains, and I don’t mean elevation wise, you shift your position on the continuum between “Prepared Hiker” and “Candidate for Rescue” significantly towards the latter position.” — Curtis Jones, of North Shore Rescue
Jones said his post was prompted by an article he spied on Flower and Freedom, a lifestyle brand and online community focusing on “a mission to empower people to explore cannabis as part of a healthy lifestyle.”
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Flower and Freedom CEO Bethany Rae said her organization doesn’t encourage or support cannabis experimentation in potentially dangerous settings, but that education remains the key to having a safe cannabis experience.
“We aren’t suggesting anyone go out in the backcountry and get high … especially for novice or brand-new consumers.” — Bethany Rae, CEO of Flower and Freedom, in the report