Should the legal age for cannabis use in Quebec be reviewed?

More than four years have passed since the Québec has announced its decision to set the legal age of of cannabis consumption at age 21, citing prudence as a guiding principle.

Raising the legal age was ostensibly intended to dissuade young adults, aged 18 to 21, from indulging in cannabis consumption. In Le Journal de Montréal, one Quebecer wonders whether the ban is still justified.

The rise of illicit markets and risky consumption

According to Francis Boucher, communications consultant in Montreal, these regulations have unintentionally pushed young adults closer to the illicit market, where they encounter organized crime and dubious resellers who sell products with high levels of toxicity. excessively high THC levels.

«Gone are the days of buying weed in bulk; instead, we find ourselves in the midst of a market awash with flashy packaging featuring motifs such as flaming dragons and anime characters,» he deciphers.

One of its areas of concern is the emergence of wax pens with high THC concentration, which have become increasingly popular with young Quebec consumers. By limiting access to legal channels, the province unwittingly steers them towards riskier consumption patterns and products.

«It's like denying people access to good wine and expecting them not to seek out other, more alcoholic products from illicit sources,» he says in essence.

Addressing public health concerns

In his view, this regulatory approach fosters unhealthy relationships between young adults and black market dealers, who profit from their loyalty. The idea that turning 21 will magically redirect consumers to legal channels is wishful thinking at best.

Instead, «we are witnessing a perpetuation of the illicit trade, which not only harms public health, but also poses considerable problems for public finances.»

In 2024, it is imperative to re-evaluate these regulations in terms of common sense, public health and financial responsibility. The current approach, imbued with moralistic connotations, has done little to reduce cannabis use among young adults. On the contrary, it has inadvertently facilitated their exposure to harmful products and criminal elements.

The way forward: Evidence-based policies and risk reduction

To really tackle this problem, he suggests recognizing the realities of cannabis use and to adopt pragmatic measures that prioritize harm reduction and public well-being. This means moving towards evidence-based policies that recognize the inevitability of cannabis use among young adults and focus on minimizing the associated risks.

A crucial aspect of this paradigm shift is the need for comprehensive education and harm reduction initiatives aimed at young cannabis users. Rather than stigmatizing consumption, young people need access to accurate information on safer consumption practices and risk reduction strategies.

In addition, investment in prevention programs aimed at young people can play a vital role in reducing the lure of illicit markets and encouraging responsible decision-making.

The regulatory framework surrounding the distribution and retail sale of cannabis should also be reshaped. By broadening legal channels of access and ensuring the availability of diversified, low-risk products, the lure of illicit sources would be reduced and consumers directed towards safer alternatives.

The Québec restricts more than other provinces the variety of products available (no concentrates, no’edible...), this would include authorizing authorized retailers to offer a wide range of products with varying THC levels, and promoting responsible business practices that put public health ahead of profit.