View From the Legislature

The federal Liberal government’s decision to legalize marijuana takes effect on October 17th.

On Tuesday this week, our government, along with the Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority (LGCA), discussed the future of cannabis public education in Manitoba. In my previous role as Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living, as well as my new role as Minister of Education and Training, providing educational information to the public about how the legalization of non-medical cannabis might affect our youth is an important issue. We have a dedicated effort to ensure the public knows as much as possible prior to the federal government law changes taking effect.

Our government appreciates the importance of making sure that everyone, especially our students and schools, knows the effects of cannabis and the health dangers associated with it. Across government we have engaged in multiple public education campaigns.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MAAD) have already begun letting people know the dangers of driving high. It is no less dangerous than drinking and driving, and the same level of respect and care needs to be given as everyone adjusts to the reality of non-medical cannabis. This will be a major concern for law enforcement across our country.

Education and Training, with the support of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM), sent cannabis information packages to all public and independent schools across the province earlier this year in preparation for the coming changes. For most students it will continue to be illegal, as the legal age of use will be 19 in Manitoba, but we have an obligation to teach our students about the health effects so they can make smart decisions as young adults. There are particularly serious health effects for youth, as developing brains can experience worse effects. This information needs to be presented to our youth so they can make the right decisions about their health.

There is a significant amount of information available online for parents at gov.mb.ca and this can help guide your conversations with your children about whether non-medical cannabis is for them.