Here's a scenario we have all seen in film before: Somebody consumes an entire bag of raw cannabis in order to avoid getting caught with it. Eyes pop wide open and gasps ensue. “You just ate that whole bag!” somebody shouts. However, the aftermath of this scene usually involves a very different representation of what actually happens when you consume raw cannabis. Spoiler alert: The effects will be lackluster at best. Why is this the case?

The answer to this mystery lies in a process called decarboxylation, one that is necessary for us to enjoy the psychoactive effects of the cannabinoids we consume.

Decarboxylation Explained

Jessie Young is the manager of medical marijuana dispensary in Toronto, which opened in February. He says dispensaries follow the same rules as licensed producers and provides patients with in-person options.

Storefront shops 'not what the federal government envisioned,' city official says.

Toronto's growing number of medical marijuana dispensaries are breaking the rules and could pay for it with tens of thousands of dollars in fines, one city official is warning.  

Mark Sraga, the city's director of investigation services for municipal licensing and standards, told CBC News Monday the city plans to start enforcing legislation related to marijuana shops in the coming months.

The City of Vancouver has begun cracking down on unlicensed medical marijuana shops, but owners say they're still committed to keeping their doors open.

Prominent pot activist Jodie Emery said at least two dispensaries were issued $250 fines Saturday, the first day inspectors enforced regulations that the city put into place last year.

"But the two places I've spoken with are open for business. They're not going to deny accessibility to their patients," Emery said.

The rules were developed when medical marijuana businesses began growing across Vancouver, but the city refused to grant permits to 140 dispensaries that didn't comply with rules such as being too close to schools.

Canadian Cannabis Corp announced a joint venture between its wholly owned subsidiary, The Clinic Network (TCN) and Medicinal Cannabis Resource Centers Inc. (MCRCI).

TCN is the association of 52 clinics in the province of Ontario that are staffed and administrated by licensed healthcare professionals. MCRCI operates three specialty clinics focused on medical cannabis therapeutic effects, located in Vancouver, Kamloops and Montreal. MCRCI was voted Canada's Top Cannabis Clinic by Lift Cannabis in the Canadian Cannabis Awards.

Legalization for marijuana may be on the horizon in Canada, but it’s hazy as to how the new legislation will be implemented – and what the resulting impact on the insurance industry will be.

However, Canadian insurers do have a precedent to look to in Colorado, which legalized the drug in 2013. Local insurance professional Julius Birch “J.B.” Woods, owner of Parker, Colo.-based Greenpoint Insurance – one of the only cannabis-focused independent insurance agencies in the country – says he can barely keep up with demand. He can already report a premium volume of 140% over last year.

Vancouver Island’s Tilray is one of 30 companies that can legally produce medical marijuana in Canada.

It’s been quietly producing pot in Nanaimo for two years, with scientists and horticulturalists working side-by-side in a 60,000 square-foot facility that somewhat resembles a maximum security prison.

But behind the concrete and fencing, is a company that was named a top employer in the city in 2014 — bringing an $46-million economic windfall to the city.

“The market is continuing to grow at a rapid pace and we can see a lot of opportunities in the medical marijuana space,” Tilray CEO Greg Engel told Global News.

This Friday (April 29) is the deadline for illicit marijuana dispensaries to shut their doors or risk steep city fines and other disciplinary measures.

The city estimates there are about 80 storefronts selling cannabis that will be affected by the order to close. By the Straight’s calculation, that means $10 million to $29 million could be forced back into Vancouver’s underground economy every month.

Vancouver medical marijuana businesses that are operating without a licence must close by Friday.

The city says inspectors will start enforcing regulations on compassion clubs and retail stores that have not complied with the rules but were allowed to remain open past a six-month grace period.

Regulation began last year when the shops started popping up across Vancouver, but the city refused to grant permits to 140 dispensaries because they didn’t comply with rules such as being too close to schools or community centres.

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Women are becoming more aggressive in fighting for medical marijuana legalization. Women could possibly lead the legalization of marijuana across the globe.

According to She Knows, women are breaking the stereotype that men are more likely to smoke marijuana. It was mentioned that women nowadays are venturing the wonders of smoking marijuana in alleviating their daily stress.

When Colorado legalized pot in 2014, police weren't prepared to crack down on smoking and driving.

Law enforcement agencies should prepare for an influx of drug-impaired drivers before marijuana is legalized in Canada, says an American state trooper.

When Colorado legalized marijuana in 2014, police weren't prepared to crack down on those who light up before getting behind the wheel, said Lt.-Col. Kevin Eldridge. 

'You have to think about how you're going to deal with this increase of a drug in the society, and how you keep people from driving under the influence.'