Cannabis – what to know as legalization day arrives

While cannabis becomes legal on Oct. 17, buyers in Ontario will be “one to three days” more before their legal purchases arrive on their doorstep with a $5 delivery fee using Canada Post.

There is no where legally to buy in-person as Ontario’s retail networks will not open until April 2019. In most other provinces however, shops will be open.

Currently, under provincial rules, cannabis use will be permitted only where tobacco use is currently allowed, however some municipalities, businesses or facilities, may adopt stricter policies. There is no carte blanche to be stoned at school or work.

Loyalist College announced Monday recreational cannabis will be prohibited on college property as of Wednesday, and the facility will move toward becoming a smoke-free campus on January 1, 2019. Smoking or vaping tobacco will be prohibited in all indoor and outdoor areas, and in vehicles on campuses at Belleville, Bancroft and Port Hope.

Hastings Prince Edward Health is ramping up its efforts with a campaign – ‘Cannabis: Just Because It’s Legal, Doesn’t Make It Safe’

“The legalization of recreational cannabis is, and will be, a very complex topic for everyone including municipalities,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH). “We are committed to working with our partners to consider a public health perspective when making policy and regulatory decisions with regard to cannabis.”

Oglaza said the approach aims to minimize potential harm to the health of the public, such as increased usage among youth, renormalizing of smoking behaviour, or increases in drug impaired driving.

While cannabis is legal, driving impaired is still illegal.

New penalties added to the Highway Traffic Act result in an immediate three-day license suspension, which cannot be appealed, along with financial penalties, possible vehicle impoundment, criminal record and jail time.

As of October 17, 2018, the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) website is the only legal option for purchasing recreational cannabis. Visitors to the site must first enter their birth date to confirm they’re older than 19. The age is then verified again upon delivery.

The OCS will sell dried cannabis, capsules, oils and pre-rolled joints – but no seeds yet. Ontario will allow growing of four plants per residence (not per person). Bongs, grinders and other accessories will also be available along with about 70 strains of pot. About 150 strains are expected to be available within a few months. Each product is to be explained – the percentage of THC and CBD as well information about the plant types. Prices not yet known.

The website states products will be delivered in “child-resistant, tamper-evident containers. Customers not home for delivery will get a slip for pick up at the Post Office. Anyone who signs for delivery must be confirm they’re at least 19 years old. The website also notes it will ensure customers’ personal information, noting transactions are kept private and the word “cannabis” will not appear on credit card statements. (Only Visa and MasterCard are being accepted at first).

Hasting Prince Edward Public Health will be focusing on public education with the objective of addressing health hazards, myths and mixed messages related to cannabis use.

It will recommend that if you don’t use, don’t start, or start later in life as the brain continues to develop until age 25. The campaign will also warn not to use cannabis if you’re at risk for mental health problems; are pregnant or planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding.

It recommends waiting at least six hours – or longer if needed – before driving or operating machinery.

The Ontario government has also launched a campaign – online, television and university and college campuses – to educate Ontarians about cannabis – including potential health effects, and where and when it can legally be purchased an used.

Canada’s Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines:
– Limit to only occasional use
– Choose cannabis products that are less potent, such as those with a high CBD (cannabidiol) to THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) ratio. THC should be 10% or less
– Choose vaping or edibles over smoking cannabis to avoid the harmful chemicals in cannabis smoke
– Edibles have a delayed effect. To reduce risks, start slow and with low THC cannabis product
– If you choose to smoke cannabis, avoid inhaling deeply or breath holding

You need to be 19 and older to buy, use, possess and grow recreational cannabis – the same as the minimum age for the sale of tobacco and alcohol in Ontario.