The purchase, possession and use of cannabis is now legal in Canada. Provinces and territories have the ability to set their own specific rules. Click here for specific information relating to Ontario.
CAMH is making a number of contributions to prepare for this change. Here are a number of resources to help navigate the change.
Resources for Canadians:
In partnership with organizations across the country, CAMH has developed evidence-based resources to provide Canadians information about the health implications of using cannabis.
- The brochure 10 Ways to Reduce Risks to Your Health When Using Cannabis , and poster Cannabis and Your Health, outlining Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG).
- The Blunt Truth, a guide developed by youth for youth, offers science-based info on cannabis use.
- Cannabis: What Parents/Guardians and Caregivers Need to Know: A fact sheet about recreational cannabis with information about legalization, risks, signs of a problem, how to help young people and where to get more information and support. Also available in French.
- Cannabis: What Educators Need to Know: The Info-Sheet contains facts on cannabis, information on cannabis legalization, the health and social effects of cannabis use on youth, as well as where to find support and additional information. Also available in French.
- Reducing cannabis harms: A guide for Ontario campuses (English/French)
- What all physicians need to know about cannabis legalization (Quick Takes Podcast)
Generating knowledge:
CAMH staff are leading research and developing tools to inform and support policies relating to cannabis. Some of the initiatives underway include:
- An examination of how cannabis legalization affects diverse communities, including Indigenous and racialized communities, and how provincial and community service authorities and policy groups can coordinate responses.
- Investigations into the impacts of cannabis on driving, including through the use of a driving simulator.
- The development and implementation of tools, resources and materials for health professionals on the recommendations of the Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines.
Public policy:
CAMH continues to advocate for a public health approach to the legalization and regulation of cannabis. Here are some of our recent policy submissions and recommendations:
- CAMH statement on the legalization of cannabis
- Regulating the sales of cannabis in Ontario: Submission to the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Finance (September 2018)
- Controlling cannabis advertising and promotion: Submission to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (March 2018)
- Principles for a public health approach to cannabis policy: CAMH Cannabis Policy Framework (October 2014); Submission to the federal Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Secretariat (August 2016)
- Click here for CAMH public policy documents on cannabis and other topics
Help, treatment and support:
- ConnexOntario
- Kids Help Phone at 1 800 668-6868
- Access CAMH