Keeping cannabis away from youth
Here in BC, you must be 19 years or older to buy, consume, possess, or grow non-medical cannabis.
How cannabis access is prevented from youth
The Government of B.C. has a mandate of keeping cannabis away from youth, specifically minors under the age of 19. For this reason, smoking or vaping cannabis is prohibited in areas where children and youth frequently hang out and play, including parks, sports fields and playgrounds. Consumption of non-medical cannabis (in all forms) is prohibited on K-12 school properties and on adjacent sidewalks and boulevards, in most vehicles, and on boats while being operated.
BC Cannabis Stores works with the Province to ensure that youth under the age of 19 can not access cannabis. Youth under 19 years of age are not permitted in cannabis stores or to access BCCannabisStores.com. It is an offence to sell or supply non-medical cannabis to individuals under the age of 19. All packaging and labelling for cannabis is regulated by the federal government. Strict limits on the look and feel of packaging are intended to make it less appealing to youth.
Cannabis and brain development
If you’re between the ages of 19 and 25, when it comes to cannabis consumption you may have cause to pause, as the brain continues to develop until around age 25 and emerging evidence suggests that THC affects the biological system in the brain that directs brain development. This emerging evidence suggests that starting to consume cannabis at a young age may increase the risk of affecting the developing brain. Initiating use later in life may help to lower these risks. Emerging evidence also suggests that more frequent and heavy consumption may increase the risk of negative effects on physical and mental well-being for some users, even beyond the age of 25.
Cannabis safety at home
Safely store your cannabis away from children and pets. For tips on secure storage, read our blog on how to keep cannabis safely out of reach.
To help keep minors safe, Drug Free Kids Canada suggests that parents who offer their children balanced information about the short- and long-term effects associated with cannabis use may be able to help them make informed decisions and foster responsible attitudes. Read our blog for information to help talk to minors.
If you suspect a minor or pet has accidentally ingested cannabis, please contact the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre for information at 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911.
