Resources Library – Hot Topic – Cannabis
Hot Topic – Cannabis
Legislation
Canada
Legalization and Regulation of Cannabis
Information on cannabis (marijuana) laws in Canada.
Bill C-45 – An Act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other Acts
Bill C-45 introduced in the House of Commons in April 2017. It received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018.
New Brunswick
Cannabis in New Brunswick
Government of New Brunswick information on the legalization of cannabis.
- Fact Sheet: General Information
- Fact Sheet: Information for Consumers
- Fact Sheet: Information for Landlords and Tenants
- Fact Sheet: Information on Enforcement
- Cannabis Infographic
Cannabis Control Act
New Brunswick’s Cannabis Control Act controls the consumption and use of retail cannabis. It establishes the legal age for the purchase, consumption and cultivation of cannabis at 19 and outlines general restrictions on consumption and possession. Under the Cannabis Control Act, the only legal place to consume retail cannabis in New Brunswick is in a private dwelling or in the land adjacent to the private dwelling (in your home or in your backyard). Consuming retail cannabis in public is prohibited. It is also illegal to consume cannabis in a vehicle and to drive under the influence of cannabis. Note that medical cannabis can be smoked or vaped in public anywhere not prohibited by the New Brunswick Smoke-free Places Act).
Complaints concerning cannabis should be directed to local police. However, if your complaint involves someone smoking or vaping cannabis in public place that is designated smoke-free as per the Smoke-Free Places Act, you can report it directly to a toll-free information/hotline. See information below on the Smoke-Free Places Act.
Smoke-Free Places Act
New Brunswick’s Smoke-Free Places Act prohibits smoking and vaping tobacco, cannabis and all other substances in all enclosed public places, indoor workplaces, school grounds, as well as in vehicles when a person under the age of 16 is present. Many public outdoor settings, including the following, also prohibit smoking and vaping as per the Act:
- On patios where food and/or alcohol is served and within 3m from the patio boundary;
- 9m from doorways, windows and air intakes of buildings that are for public use;
- In outdoor playgrounds and within 20m of their perimeters (examples include outdoor slides, swings, climbing structures, splash pads, wading pools, sand boxes);
- On outdoor sports and recreational areas and within 20m of their perimeters (examples include outdoor tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, swimming pools, beaches, skateboard parks, skating rinks, etc., and their spectator stands);
- On a public walking trail and within 9m of the trail;
- In provincial parks (except in designated smoking areas and on an occupied campsite); and
- On the grounds of regional health authorities (hospitals, health clinics, etc.).
A toll-free number is provided to report violations of the Smoke-Free Places Act and to obtain additional information on this legislation: 1-866-234-4234.
Where to Report Violations in New Brunswick
Smoking and/or vaping cannabis in public places that are designated as smoke-free by the Smoke-free Places Act can be reported to the Smoke-free Places Act Information Line. The Smoke-free Places Act Information Line toll-free number is 1-866-234-4234.
Resources – Education and Prevention
Cannabis in Canada – Government of Canada – 2018
About cannabis, process of legalization, health effects, addiction, medical use, applying for industry licenses, consumer information, market data, travelling with cannabis, talk about cannabis, cannabis research and data, etc.
- Visit our Get the Facts page, to find out about cannabis and your health, cannabis and the border, the risks of impairment on the road and at work, and how laws and regulations will impact your business.
- Check out our updated Cannabis education resources page, where you will find fact sheets, videos, and information for youth, parents, teachers, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, health professionals and more.
- Build your own event for youth, using materials from the Pursue Your Passion website, creating thought-provoking activities, and inspiring participants to pursue a passion without the use of cannabis.
Cannabis Talk Kit – Know How to Talk with Your Teen – DrugFreeKidsCanada.org – 2017
This talk kit aims to help families navigate through a changing cannabis landscape—one that includes new policies like legalization and regulation, as well as new products, like “shatter” and “edible” candies and cookies.
Get the Facts – Health Canada Experiences GalleryGet the Facts – Health Canada Experiences
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Education, Hot Topic - Vaping - Public Education Resources, News, Prevention - Children - Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Prevention and Education – For Children, Prevention - Children - Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Prevention and Education – For Educators and Parents
InControlNB.ca – Government of New Brunswick – 2018
New Brunswick campaign to educate the public, including information on the health effects and dangers of cannabis.
Legal, Not Safe – New Brunswick Medical Society – 2018
Cannabis is legal, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. This New Brunswick Medical Society campaign encourages all New Brunswickers to know the negative effects of consuming cannabis.
Micro-Grants for Cannabis or Vaping Public Education – Health Canada
Micro-grants are offered up to $1,000 to support public education about the health effects of cannabis and/or the risks of vaping.
Second-Hand Marijuana Smoke: Health Effects of Exposure – Non-Smokers’ Rights Association – 2016
Concern about exposure to second-hand marijuana smoke is an emerging issue—the Smoking and Health Action Foundation (SHAF) has noted a steady increase in enquiries and complaints over the past number of years, especially from multi-unit housing residents.
Smoke Is Smoke! – Smoke and Vape Free NB – 2019 GallerySmoke Is Smoke! – Smoke and Vape Free NB – 2019
About Us - Toolkits Pubs Social Media - Social Media, Environments - Outdoors - Resources – Making Outdoor Environments Smoke-Free, Hot Topic - Cannabis - Education, Hot Topic - Vaping - Public Education Resources, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Dangers of Exposure to Second and Third Hand Smoke
Smoke Is Smoke! – Smoke and Vape Free NB – 2019
Sheds light on the dangers of second-hand smoke from tobacco as well as cannabis. This fact sheet also addresses vaping and reminds people to respect smoke-free environments in New Brunswick, which prohibit smoking and vaping. We all win when we can live, work and play in 100% smoke-free environments!
Reports and Statistics – Cannabis Use
Canadian Cannabis Survey Summary – Health Canada – 2017 and 2018
The Government has put in place the Cannabis Act, a new strict national framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis in Canada. Health Canada has been collecting additional data to better understand how Canadians view and use cannabis. These data will be used to evaluate the impact of the new legislation, which was brought into force on October 17, 2018, and to support development of policy and program initiatives, including public education and awareness activities.
Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) – Statistics Canada (2018-2019) GalleryCanadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) – Statistics Canada (2018-2019)
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Prevention - Children - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) – Statistics Canada (2018-2019)
Survey of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use among Canadian students in grades 7 to 12 conducted by the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact at the University of Waterloo for Health Canada. Note: New Brunswick did not participate in the 2016 – 2017 and 2018-2018 CSTADS. The 2018-19 CSTADS was integrated into the administration of the New Brunswick Student Wellness Survey for Grades 6 – 12.
- Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) – Statistics Canada (2017) Gallery
Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) – Statistics Canada (2017)
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Prevention - Adults - Reports and Statistics, Prevention - Indigenous - Stats, Prevention - Seniors - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) – Statistics Canada (2017)
General population survey of tobacco, alcohol and drug use among Canadians aged 15 years and older conducted by Statistics Canada on behalf of Health Canada. This national survey provides valuable information to inform approaches to addressing complex health and social issues such as the problematic use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, including opioids and cannabis.
TAKE NOTE!
As of 2019, information on tobacco and vaping product use in the Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) has been discontinued and replaced by the Canadian Tobacco & Nicotine and Drugs Survey.
Canadians who report lower self-perceived mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic more likely to report increased use of cannabis, alcohol and tobacco GalleryCanadians who report lower self-perceived mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic more likely to report increased use of cannabis, alcohol and tobacco
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Hot Topic - Smoking, Vaping and COVID-19, News, Prevention - Mental Health - Mental Health, Addictions and Tobacco Use
Canadians who report lower self-perceived mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic more likely to report increased use of cannabis, alcohol and tobacco
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed Canadians’ lives in previously unimaginable ways in a very short period of time. Given the disruption and stress it may come as no surprise that the consumption of cannabis, alcohol and tobacco has increased for some. In particular, Canadians who rated their mental health as fair or poor were more likely to report increased use of these substances.
Cannabis and Youth: By the Numbers – New Brunswick Health Council – 2019 GalleryCannabis and Youth: By the Numbers – New Brunswick Health Council – 2019
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke
Cannabis and Youth: By the Numbers – New Brunswick Health Council – 2019
Here is what we currently know about cannabis use by youth in New Brunswick.
Federal Health Ministers refer to vaping liquids for message on National Poison Prevention Week GalleryFederal Health Ministers refer to vaping liquids for message on National Poison Prevention Week
Environments - Homes - Resources and Tips – Making Your Home and Car Smoke-Free, Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Hot Topic - Vaping - Public Education Resources, Hot Topic - Vaping - Reports and Statistics, News, Prevention - Adult - Dangers of Tobacco & Vaping Products
Federal Health Ministers refer to vaping liquids for message on National Poison Prevention Week
Message from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on National Poison Prevention Week – March 20 to 26, 2022
From: Health Canada
Statement
March 23, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada
This National Poison Prevention Week, we would like to remind Canadians that many items found in our homes can be poisonous, causing serious harm if not used, stored, or disposed of correctly. With this year’s theme – Make your plan – in mind, Health Canada is encouraging Canadians to keep their loved ones safe by understanding what products are poisonous and checking that they are safely stored in their home.
An estimated 90 percent of unintentional, preventable poisonings take place at home. Young children and persons with cognitive impairment are at the greatest risk of unintentional poisonings. The health effects of poisonings can vary widely, from temporary injury to death, and depend on which substances the individual is exposed to, the amount, and the type of contact.
Three of the most commonly reported sources of unintentional poisonings are household cleaning products such as detergent packets, cannabis, and vaping liquids containing nicotine.
- Cleaning products: Commonly used cleaning products, like laundry and dishwasher detergent packets, can be poisonous. These small, brightly coloured packets have been mistaken for candy and swallowed, causing serious injuries. To prevent poisonings, such products should be kept in their original child-resistant containers and stored out of sight and reach.
- Cannabis: Ingesting cannabis is the most common cause of cannabis poisoning in children. Results from the 2021 Canadian Cannabis Survey showed that 36% of Canadians who had cannabis inside their home stored it in unlocked cabinets or drawers, and 17% of Canadians stored it on open shelves or tables. Remember that illegal cannabis edible products are often packaged to look like popular food products, and can easily be mistaken for candy or other foods that appeal to kids. Only buy legal cannabis from licensed retailers and store it out of reach in its original child-resistant packaging.
- Vaping liquid: Vaping liquid containing nicotine is poisonous, particularly to young children. Even in small amounts, it can be very harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. When buying a container of vaping liquid with nicotine, look for one that has a child-resistant closure and a toxic hazard symbol with the warning ‘POISON’, both of which are required by law.
Safe storage of household chemicals, cannabis, and vaping liquid is key to reducing the likelihood of poisonings in your home.
Poisonings can happen quickly. Knowing what your next step is can save lives. If you suspect that you or someone around you may have been poisoned, call a poison centre or 911 right away.
We want to thank all Canadians for helping to make the environments where our families live, learn, and play as safe as possible.
Find more information about safely buying, using, storing and disposing of drugs, health products and household chemical products on the Health Canada website.
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, P.C., M.P.
- Health Characteristics, Annual Estimates (2018): Smoking – Statistics Canada – 2018 Gallery
Health Characteristics, Annual Estimates (2018): Smoking – Statistics Canada – 2018
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Prevention - Adults - Reports and Statistics, Prevention - Indigenous - Stats, Prevention - Seniors - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Health Characteristics, Annual Estimates (2018): Smoking – Statistics Canada – 2018
Statistics updated yearly. National and provincial data estimates for:
- Current smoker, daily or occasional
- Current smoker, daily
Broken down by age group and sex.
NB Student Wellness Survey (Grades 6-12) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2018-2019) GalleryNB Student Wellness Survey (Grades 6-12) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2018-2019)
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Prevention - Children - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
NB Student Wellness Survey (Grades 6-12) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2018-2019)
Survey on wellness (including tobacco use and vaping) among students in grades 6 to 12 across schools in New Brunswick conducted by the New Brunswick Health Council as part of a provincial initiative of the Wellness Branch of the Department of Social Development in co-operation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Notice of Intent – Consultation on the Cannabis Regulations: Cannabis research and other regulatory issues
Health Canada is publishing this Notice of Intent to provide interested stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on Health Canada’s intent to amend the Cannabis Regulations (CR) and associated regulatory frameworks to:
- Facilitate non-therapeutic cannabis research involving human participants by:
- implementing appropriate health and safety controls; and,
- broadening adverse reaction reporting, where necessary.
- Streamline and rationalize the licensing framework under the CR to facilitate cannabis-based testing activities including:
- expanding production, distribution, and sale activities with cannabis reference standards and test kits; and,
- expanding the acceptable qualifications of the “head of laboratory”.
In addition, Health Canada is seeking feedback and comments on additional regulatory issues to help inform potential future regulatory development: namely the public possession limit amounts (i.e. the amounts of various classes of cannabis deemed equivalent to 1 gram of dried cannabis); product labelling requirements; micro class and nursery licences; and COVID-19 measures.
Please submit any questions and comments related to this Notice by January 11, 2021 to:
Regulatory Affairs
Strategic Policy, Cannabis
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada
E-mail: cannabis.consultation@canada.ca
Preventing Problematic Substance Abuse in Youth – Chief Public Health Officer, Government of Canada – 2018 GalleryPreventing Problematic Substance Abuse in Youth – Chief Public Health Officer, Government of Canada – 2018
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Prevention - Youth - Youth and Young Adult Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Education and Prevention -Resources For Educators and Parents
Preventing Problematic Substance Abuse in Youth – Chief Public Health Officer, Government of Canada – 2018
Learn what you can do to raise awareness about prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery related to substance abuse, including tobacco, among youth.
Tobacco Use in Canada – Cannabis Supplement – University of Waterloo – 2017
This supplement provides an overview of cannabis and tobacco use, specifically in the Canadian context. National estimates of cannabis and tobacco use in Canada are reported, with a focus on youth.