What are the rules and regulations for legal cannabis in Newfoundland and Labrador?
As of October 17, 2018, recreational cannabis became legal all throughout Canada, and each province were given the responsibility to develop provincial regulations and guidelines while following the federal cannabis act. The public consumption of recreational cannabis is illegal in the province, and it is recommended that the use of recreational use of cannabis should be done at home or in a private property. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador strives to provide the best insights and resources to help adults make responsible and informed decisions about recreational cannabis. The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation and Cannabis Newfoundland will be responsible for regulating recreational marijuana.
The legal age to purchase recreational cannabis in Newfoundland and Labrador will be 19, and it is illegal to sell to anyone under the age of 19 or to someone who may be intoxicated. Recreational cannabis will be sold at retail stores across the province, and persons that choose to use cannabis can purchase it online through the provincial website, and it will be delivered to them. Many of the rules and regulations surrounding recreational cannabis are there to protect public health and safety and to ensure that young people cannot gain access to cannabis. People who choose to use recreational cannabis in Newfoundland and Labrador should do so responsibly, and also ensure it is kept away from children and teens.
INFORMATION ON DRUG REHAB
The Social Responsibility Surrounding Legal Cannabis in Newfoundland and Labrador
It is important for those who choose to use recreational cannabis to use it responsibly, be informed and know the facts. Some of the general guidelines for responsible cannabis use includes waiting until after adolescence, and this is important because the brain does not become fully developed until someone is 25. Early cannabis use as a teen or a child will cause significant problems, such as mental health issues. It is also important to be informed and know about the product that is being used, which is why there is strict regulation surrounding legal cannabis. It is important to keep the use of cannabis occasional, and avoid using cannabis if you are prone to psychosis or have a family history of psychosis or substance use disorders.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation has developed online educational courses to help people, especially parents speak to their kids about legal marijuana, and for recreational users to make informed decisions. All of the licensed cannabis retailers in Newfoundland and Labrador are responsible for knowing the following rules that are set out in the Smoke-Free Environment Act and the Cannabis Control Act. The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation will also work closely with law enforcement and partners within the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the RCMP. This working partnership will also include non-governmental organizations, to help raise awareness of the dangers of teen and child use and impaired driving. There is a responsibility for all citizens within Newfoundland and Labrador to be informed and to help keep recreational marijuana out of the hands of teens and children, and anyone who may be at risk.
How will legal marijuana impact me and is there help for marijuana addiction?
Recreational marijuana can impact the lives of other people when impaired driving is involved or when children and teens are able to access marijuana. The use of recreational marijuana in Newfoundland and Labrador is strictly restricted to people of legal age, and impaired driving is also illegal. People living in the province should stay informed about the drug, and how it is being sold in each community. Parents should also take advantage of the drug education and awareness programs and speak to their children about legal marijuana in the province.
When someone is struggling with an addiction to marijuana and other drugs, it is important to seek out help and treatment. The various drug and alcohol treatment services in Newfoundland and Labrador are equipped to help addicts who are abusing marijuana. Marijuana abuse in the province is often part of a larger drug problem that will often involve alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal street drugs. Many people use marijuana regularly, and have not allowed it to impact his or her life, but the long-term and frequent use of cannabis will lead to dependency and addiction.
An addiction can happen when someone uses the drug despite the physical, mental, and social consequences. When an addiction takes hold, it can spiral out of control quickly if the addict does not get the help they need. Provincial services include counseling programs, 12-step services, and therapy programs; addicts and their families can also access private treatment services, whether these are in the province or in another province. If recreational marijuana has become a problem, it is important not to avoid this issue, and seek out help right away. An addiction to marijuana does have the potential to lead to other serious problems and issues with other drugs.
