I'm a young guy and have never had an issue with anyone, law enforcement or regular folk. Think about it, if you're walking down the street minding your own business and not covered in gang tats or associating with known members of organized crime, why in blazes would a LEO even talk to you?
As for regular folk, nobody ever says anything that I recall other than asking friendly questions about what it's made of and how I got it, never once bringing up medical issues at all. And nobody has ever even hinted they thought I carried as a weapon. Cane's just don't have that association anymore these days; it never crosses most people's mind. People assume you're either are disabled in some way their untrained eyes don't notice (only grade 2 limps are visible to untrained people) or at worst, that you're a hayseed or outdoorsy type that likes to keep a walking stick just 'cuz.
As for regular folk, nobody ever says anything that I recall other than asking friendly questions about what it's made of and how I got it, never once bringing up medical issues at all. And nobody has ever even hinted they thought I carried as a weapon. Cane's just don't have that association anymore these days; it never crosses most people's mind. People assume you're either are disabled in some way their untrained eyes don't notice (only grade 2 limps are visible to untrained people) or at worst, that you're a hayseed or outdoorsy type that likes to keep a walking stick just 'cuz.