On October 17th, 2018 Canada became the first country in North America as well as the first G7 Nation to legalize cannabis for adult consumption. The laws that were adopted by the federal government set the minimum age for cannabis consumption, possession, and purchases to 18 years nationwide. The law however also gave provinces the ability to increase that age limit if they deemed necessary.
On December 5th, 2018 during a meeting of the Quebec government they tabled legislation that did just this. Bill 2 would raise the legal age for cannabis consumption in the province to 21 years old. This is a very in line with the decisions made in states across the U.S. However, when it comes to recreational consumption of cannabis the average age in every other province in Canada for legal cannabis consumption is 18 or 19 years old.
The Advocates of Bill 2 and Other Changes
Aside from increasing the legal age in which one can enjoy the effects and benefits of cannabis without a physician’s recommendation Bill 2 would also prohibit the consumption of cannabis in all public places including on public streets. Bill 2 has great support from Quebec’s Junior Health Minister Lionel Carmant. Carmant has stated that he is concerned about the potential adverse effects that cannabis could have on the brains of young adults which are still developing.
François Legault which is the incoming Premier of Quebec supports this change. He has also been very open about his intent to raise the legal age for cannabis to 21. Despite his best efforts, he was not able to see the change take effect before legalization in October. Carmant is pushing for Bill 2 to be approved and implemented by the early spring.
What do you feel the legal age for cannabis consumption and possession should be? Do you think it should be the same as the legal drinking age? Do you think it should be reserved for an even older age group? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Or share this post and give us a shoutout on social media!
