Completely forgot about the smoking restriction on all BCFerries vessels and property. I went looking for the smoking spot only to find a sign clearly stating no cigarettes, vape, or joints.... they specified the joints... I know weed is legal now but it seems a little odd that they completely restrict smoking yet will be soon serving alcohol on the larger vessels 🤦♂️
It has been a long battle with BCFerries, I have been taking the ferry back and forth from SaltSpring Island fairly regularly for the last 10 years or so. Used to be allowed to smoke anywhere on the upper decks then they restricted to just one area at the back of the boat to now a complete ban.
Watching this development happen over time and the one thing, especially on the SaltSpring Island route, that has always been apparent is the stoners do not listen!
Being a stoner I can relate and am even guilty. Smoking has never been allowed on the car deck yet it’s the prime spot to sneak a quick rip on a vape or one of those single toke smoke look alike things. Used to watch the crew and even the Captain of the Ferry try tell the hippies to put their joints out when smoking on the upper deck only to be laughed at, hippies don’t give a rats ass when and where they smoke weed.
As they continue to ramp up their efforts of restriction we see the stoners getting sneakier. The smokers tend to abide by the rules, 2 hours ain’t that much of a wait if you have been smoking cigs the whole drive. As for weed it has complications, intelligent people do not smoke while driving but SaltSpring is a safe haven for stoners. It was a ritual for us when getting to the boat we would get high as fuck the whole ride over. I have seen it all from a fully loaded car hotboxed with a bong right at the front of the boat to a guy walking car to car trying slang his goods literally lifting a half pound out of his backpack to show people. The one thing that rings true, despite restrictions stoners will find a way!
Along with these restrictions comes potential charges which then adds to the emphasis of not getting caught. I do believe the entire reason the restrictions is to create a target out of stoners. With the smell of cannabis and driving off the ferry a officer informed by BCFerries of your non compliance could find you as an easy target for much more than just a simple charge for smoking. They have intention to catch smugglers also, I know first had these guys can be just as bad as the hippies depending on how intelligent they are... again SSI is a safe haven for weed no body is hiding anything....
The stupid part of this whole battle is that now BCFerries is going to start offering alcohol on the larger vessels. This seems completely oxymoronic, quick count of cars on the ferry with me and approx 80% are only driver. I can assume that most whom take the ferry for commuting are on their own, the people who will be most temped by the availability of alcohol due to the most exposure.
So I wonder, how many people are going to get too intoxicated to drive? I know if I was on a longer route and alcohol was available now I’d be seriously contemplating it and I don’t even drink! The restricting of one vice can only have the effect of tunnelling that interest into another vice so I suspect many will feel the same as myself when faced with not being able to smoke at all.
I dunno about you but I would much rather an over paranoid stoner then a reckless alcoholic driving off the ferry with me!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!!!
Thats it @d00k13 OUT
Wallet of a Minnow, Heart of a Whale
