Watch our video for things to consider when debating Cannabis legal age
As Canada Day looms on our doorstep, Cannabis Legalization is not far behind, and it bring the question of cannabis legal age. We sat down with Rebecca Haines-Saah, Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and co-lead for the O’Brien Institute for Public Health’s, Population Health and Prevention Interest Group to understand implications for youth who plan to use cannabis.
What is Cannabis Legalization?
The government had intended for recreational marijuana use to be legalized by 1 July 2018. Bill C-45 would make Cannabis a legal substance, but place restrictions on where and when it can be smoked, how and where it must be sold, and who may buy it and where. The Federal government left a lot of the details up to the Canadian provinces, but some questions have sparked debate nation-wide.
Why Does the Cannabis Legal Age Matter?
A lot of people already have access to illegal cannabis – especially youth! This is full of problems, since there is no regulation or control over the quality and purity of the product. Set the age too high, and you cut off the majority of your consumers. Set the age too low, and you risk a spike in cannabis use among youth (there is still a lot of conversation about the negative impact of cannabis on developing brains).
What Makes Sense for Cannabis Legal Age?
We turned part of our conversation with Rebecca into a short video. Enjoy, and let us know what you think in the comments!
You can download the full podcast called “Drunk and Stoned” here – we talk about the impact of drugs and alcohol on sports and performance!
