Pot pardon will bring peace, erase stigma, woman says
Darquise Menard charged with possession 2 years ago
The federal government's recent announcement that it will expedite pardons for people with minor cannabis-related criminal records came as welcome news to tens of thousands of Canadians.
For Darquise Menardof Lancaster, Ont.,it means she'll finally be able to volunteerat her children's school.
"[It's] brought peace to my life," Menard told CBC'sOttawa Morning.
"Going to the school wanting to volunteer with my children was embarrassing, and being judged by my community as well."
The mother of two was chargedwith possession of under 30 grams of marijuana two years ago. Menard, who has lupusand a muscle and joint pain disorder calledfibromyalgia, said she began using drugto help her manageher symptoms when other forms of medication failed.
"[Consuming marijuana] was the difference between being able to read a book to my children at night," she said.
She said she opted to avoid legal medical marijuana because of the stigma associated with the drug at the time.
"I didn't know how safe it would be to ask for support in regards to that," she said, addingshe was concerned about losingcustody of her children.
"It took me months to accept that I was using marijuana to heal myself," she said."I judged myself. 'What's wrong with me? Why am I using drugs? Why am I a pothead?'"
Pardons onhorizon
Menardhopes that with cannabis legalization and the coming pardons, the stigma around marijuana use will fade away.
"Because I'm so ill, being with my children gives me a purpose, keeps me going every day," she said."It's so rewarding. It made me happier, it made me healthier, it made me stronger."
Watch Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodalediscuss pot pardons on Power and Politics
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