In Ontario cannabis is legal for those over the age of 19, but is illegal for anyone under that age. This means that under-age users will turn to the black market, or “street” products. These products are not regulated or checked by anyone, and can contain substances other than cannabis. In many cases, street cannabis has been found to include many other drugs such as cocaine and fentanyl, which can put them at high risk of overdose.
One of the main reasons youth and teens will use a substance is peer pressure. It’s important to know that peer pressure can be in different forms. In some cases, it may result from their peers directly telling them they “should” use cannabis, or “must” use cannabis to fit in.
Prior to the legalization of cannabis, the bi-annual Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey reported that 19% of students in grades 7 to 12 had used cannabis in the past year (2018). The rates between males and females is similar (19.6% and 18.3%, respectively).
There are many benefits to smoke-free spaces, including:
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical found in tobacco plants. Nicotine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and repeated exposure to nicotine can lead to dependence.
Key talking points and resources to help you in conversations with your clients
Key talking points and resources to help you in conversations with your clients
Key talking points and resources to help you in conversations with your clients
Key talking points and resources to help you in conversations with your clients
Even though cannabis is legal, there are still rules that need to be followed for your safety, and to protect you from penalties such as fines or jail time. Know the laws so you can follow them and protect yourself and others from harm.