A network of drug-addiction rehabilitation centres says recreational marijuana use should not be legalized for Canadians under 25.
Portage, which offers treatment in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Canada, says it’s concerned by the federal government’s plan, announced Thursday, to legalize marijuana use.
The non-profit organization helps about 500 teenagers every year, most of whom are addicted to marijuana, said Portage spokesperson Seychelle Harding.
For the past 45 years, Portage has seen close up “the devastating effects that the abuse of marijuana has, mostly on this young clientele,” Harding said.
The federal government intends to set the minimum age for recreational pot purchase at age 18, but provinces and territories will be free to be more restrictive.
Portage supports the Canadian Medical Association, which has called for control of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; one of the main active ingredients in cannabis) up to age 25, to avoid mental health risks.
“The more we delay the use of marijuana, the better for young people,” Harding said.
She acknowledged minors have access to this drug, whether it is legal or not, but she suggested legalization may trivialize its use.
Portage endorses some of the government’s objectives, such as fighting organized crime and regulating access to cannabis.
The organization said money collected in taxes on marijuana should be used to develop a national drug-prevention strategy.
credit:montrealgazette.com
