This episode was recorded on March 8, 2021. I spoke with Caryma S’ad about her career as a lawyer and how she got into the legal field (05:25); her beef against BBQAnon guy Adam Skelly (19:00); her thoughts on cannabis law in Canada and how it intersects with the current discourse on police abolition (40:00); the housing situation in Toronto (58:25); and more.
Bio
Caryma S’ad is a Toronto-based lawyer and entrepreneur. Her advocacy focuses primarily on housing, cannabis, and criminal law. She is also active on issues relating to politics, access to justice, poverty, racism, and the legal profession. She is the executive director at NORML Canada, a federal not-for-profit group that lobbies for fair, equitable, and sensible cannabis law and policy.
Caryma graduated cum laude from the University of Ottawa in 2015. She was called to the Bar in 2016. Prior to attending law school, Caryma interned with a prominent human rights organization in India.
In her spare time, Caryma likes to watch professional wrestling.
Episode notes
How Caryma developed her unique and creative engagement style. [03:30]
Overview of Caryma’s practice, how she got into law, and how the legal world has shifted since she got called to the Bar (2016). [05:25]
The Stop SOP ordeal at the Law Society of Ontario. [14:00]
Caryma vs Adam Skelly aka BBQanon guy. [19:00]
Being on the wrong side of cancel culture: Caryma’s open air comedy show 2020. [26:05]
Documenting the weekly anti-mask rallies in Toronto. [30:00]
Caryma’s thoughts on prison and police abolition. [40:00]
Ontario cannabis rollout, decriminalizing pot offences, Julian Fantino, NORML Canada. [43:00]
Park encampment and the housing situation in Toronto, Encampment Support Network, Khaleel Seivwright. [58:25]
Advocating for better housing, cannabis, and BBQ joints with Caryma Sa’d (66 mins)