Saskatchewan’s physicians are calling on the provincial government to establish 21 as the legal age to purchase recreational marijuana.
“Physicians have long been concerned about the harmful effects of marijuana on an individual’s health, particularly youth,” said Dr. Joanne Sivertson, SMA president. “Evidence shows that prolonged use of marijuana in young people can have a negative effect on a developing brain, which develops into the mid-20s.”
Dr. Sivertson says Saskatchewan has a unique opportunity to be a leader among Canadian provinces in restricting the availability of marijuana and marijuana products to youth. “From a medical perspective in terms of brain development, there is some merit in setting a minimum age of at least 25, but balancing the fact that recreational marijuana is coming with the need to prevent illicit sales to youths, a minimum age of 21 is a compromise.”
The Canadian Medical Association and other provincial medical associations have recommended a legal age of 21, as has the Saskatchewan branches of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Lung Association. The Saskatchewan School Boards Association suggests 22 as a minimum age.
