During the 2018 provincial election, the Coalition Avenir Québec party (right-wing) skyrocketed to a particularly incredible political victory and, as one of its first acts, the CAQ has promised to follow through on its proposition to increase the legal age for marijuana consumption, purchase, and possession. In fact, on December 6, 2018, the CAQ put this act into reality after approving a bill that would increase the legal age to 21 years and completely prohibit the public use of this drug (in any form). Interestingly, though, Lionel Carmant (junior health minister for CAQ) strongly supports the scientific evidence that marijuana damages neurons past the age of 21 and believes the legal age should be elevated to 25 years. While he was on the case, Carmant also suggested that Quebec should increase the age for alcohol consumption, too. Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating events in our northern neighbor.
Alcohol and Pot Must Go Hand-in-Hand
Recently, when the federal government of Canada officially legalized marijuana for recreational and medical purposes, officials established the legal age at 18 years. However, under the Cannabis Act, provincial governments can make alterations to existing law, including the ability to set distinctive age limits for pot consumption. While most provinces have fully established 18 years, other have opted for the higher age (no pun intended) of 19 years.
Although Quebec had adopted the legal age of 18, the Coalition Avenir Québec party is concerned about whether 21-year-old adult classify as underage or not. In a recent interview on CBC Montreal’s Daybreak on Thursday, Lionel Carmant explained that lawmakers first needed to work marijuana legalization. Now, he says, they can focus on setting age limits. At this time, Carmant and his associates can consider raising the legal age for the consumption of pot, tobacco, and alcohol to a higher, necessary level.
Concerns about Health and Safety
Although CAQ Premier François Legault refused to provide a confirmation about these details, the story still served as a gateway for creating awareness about one concept: how soon is too soon? Recent studies have shown that marijuana and alcohol can greatly impede cognitive development. In fact, some scientists in Quebec have confirmed that the brain continues to develop past the age of 25. So where do Canadians (and all of us for that matter) draw the line?
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