Public health offers cannabis information sessions for parents of teens

Over the coming weeks, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, together with community partners, is offering information sessions for parents and caregivers of teens.

“With the recent legalization of cannabis, this is a very important time to discuss teenage drug use with parents and caregivers,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPE Public Health. “We hope to provide parents and caregivers with information about how they can help prevent or delay drug use.”

Public Health states a recent Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey indicates 36.9 per cent of youth have tried cannabis by Grade 12.

Public Health recommends parents and caregivers of students in Grades 7 to 12 attend the evening presentations.

Sessions will include information about:
The new reality of cannabis
Why cannabis use is harmful to youth
Legalization of cannabis and what parents need to know about the law
Strategies for parents to help prevent or delay the use of cannabis and other drugs
What community resources are available for support
Sessions will be taking place:

March 20 – Belleville – Eastside Secondary School, 6:30pm – 7:45pm

March 21 – Picton – Prince Edward Collegiate Institute – 6:30pm – 7:45pm

March 27 – Bancroft – North Hastings High School – 6:30pm – 7:45pm

April 16 – Quinte West – St. Paul Catholic Secondary School, 6:30pm – 7:45pm

The sessions are being offered in partnership with Addictions and Mental Health Services Hastings Prince Edward, the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, the Belleville Police Service, the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, and the Ontario Provincial Police.

Registration is not required.