AS OF OCTOBER 17, 2018, CANNABIS IS LEGAL IN CANADA
On October 17, 2018, the Federal Government’s decision to legalize cannabis came into effect across all Canadian provinces. The legalization and regulation of cannabis use was among the main promises made by now Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the 2015 election campaign, and the Cannabis Act was adopted after much deliberation at the government level. One of the objectives of legalization is to counteract the illicit cannabis market, valued at more than 7 billion dollars annually. While the motives for legalization are commendable, there will inevitably be important impacts on Canadian society.
Under the Cannabis Act, individuals who are 18 years of age or older can possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, buy cannabis from a retailer, grow up to four cannabis plants for personal use per residence, and make cannabis products such as food and drinks at home.
The Act allows provinces to determine the minimum legal age for buying cannabis , where cannabis can be sold and used, and how much cannabis a person can possess.
Cannabis regulations raise many questions in light of the alarming figures revealed by the 2018 National Cannabis Survey (see Infographic).
LEGALIZATION WON’T STOP ADDICTION – Let’s be vigilant
In light of the impending legalization of marijuana in Canada, the debate continues on issues relating to consumption, control and use of marijuana.
At Portage, we deem it important that organizations treating addiction be at the centre of discussions. With over 45 years of expertise, Portage conveys, jointly with the government and the media, useful information to further ideas.
The awareness campaign, created in collaboration with Agence Génération, promotes discussion and education on the potential effects of legalization.
Portage is very grateful to all the partners who contributed to making this campaign possible: Agence Génération, Bell, Cogeco, TC Transcontinental, and Publicité Sauvage.
WHY INTRODUCE A SPECIAL FEATURE ON CANNABIS?
Portage seeks to provide quality information and to share its expertise in the area of addiction rehabilitation. Our organization started this blog one year ago in order to reach out to people, to educate and to raise awareness about addiction and to promote strong interest in our cause: freedom from addiction.
This blog is a means of conveying our organization’s message through residents’ testimonials, life stories and informative articles.
In this special feature on cannabis, Portage will inform people about the effects and consequences of cannabis use, drawing on all the material it has produced on the subject of cannabis and of addiction in general.
Portage Blog
“Before I went to Portage, I felt alone”
I used to feel like I was born to be an addict. My biological mother drank and took heroine while she was pregnant with my twin brother and me. And addiction runs deep in my biological family. My parents, who adopted me when I was born, told me I would be more susceptible to addiction… Read more »
Portage Art Workshops
For many years now, Portage has made art workshops available to the residents of its rehabilitation centres. The workshops promote creative freedom in a non-judgmental environment. I recently met with Catherine, who teaches art at the MICA Centre, to discuss their impact. A pause in the therapeutic process Portage’s Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers (MICA) program… Read more »
Edible Cannabis : “Second Wave” of Cannabis Legalization to Take Effect in the Fall
Edible cannabis products (such as candies and cookies) will be authorized for sale starting in October. This “second wave” of cannabis legalization raises concerns surrounding the appeal and dangers of edible cannabis products. Cases of cannabis intoxication in children On May 17, 2019, the Montreal Children’s Hospital sounded the alarm concerning edible cannabis products…. Read more »
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