1. Supporting Schools and Catholic School Councils
Recreational Cannabis Legalization in Ontario
Supporting Schools and
Catholic School Councils
Extraordinary lives start with a great Catholic education.

2. Overview of Cannabis Legalization
When cannabis is legalized on October 17, 2018, Ontario’s Government will be ready with rules that keep cannabis out of the hands of children and youth, and keep our roads safe
Ontario has passed new laws (following extensive public and stakeholder engagement) about how, where and who can buy, possess and consume cannabis in the province. These rules are similar to those in place for alcohol and tobacco, with some differences.
Medical cannabis is subject to different rules than recreational cannabis. The production and sale of medical cannabis is regulated exclusively by the federal government. If a health care professional has already authorized someone to use cannabis for medical reasons, their access will not change when recreational cannabis is legal.

3. Requirements in Ontario
You will need to be 19 and older to buy, use, possess and grow recreational cannabis. This is the same as the minimum age for the sale of tobacco and alcohol in Ontario.
When it’s legal, people 19 and over will be able to purchase cannabis online through the Ontario Cannabis Store. Online orders will be delivered safely and securely. Consumers will be required to verify their age to accept delivery and no packages will be left unattended at the door.
Consuming recreational cannabis WILL NOT be allowed in public places, such as workplaces and schools, or within cars.
You will only be able to use recreational cannabis in:
a private residence, including the outdoor space of a home (for example, a porch or back yard)
your unit or on your balcony, if you live in a multi-unit building like an apartment or condo, but that depends on your building’s rules or your lease agreement
You will not be allowed to use recreational cannabis in: any public place, workplaces or motorized vehicles.
Using cannabis in public can result in a fine of up to: $1,000 for a first offence and $5,000 for subsequent offences
It is illegal to drive drug-impaired and it’s just as dangerous as driving drunk. Cannabis, like many other drugs, slows your reaction time and increases your chances of being in a collision.
If a police officer finds that you are impaired by any drug, including cannabis, you will face serious penalties, including:
an immediate license suspension, financial penalties, possible vehicle impoundment, possible criminal record or possible jail time.
Police officers will be authorized to use oral fluid screening devices at roadside. Once a federally approved device is available, we will implement the use of those devices to help police enforce the law.

4. Requirements in Ontario cont’d.
Consuming recreational cannabis WILL NOT be allowed in public places, such as workplaces and schools, or within cars.
For youth under the age of 19 in Ontario, it will be illegal to grow, possess, buy, sell, or share cannabis.
There will be penalties for youth and adults who give or sell cannabis to minors including fines and jail time. A zero tolerance policy will also be in place for drug- impaired driving among youth.
You will only be able to use recreational cannabis in:
a private residence, including the outdoor space of a home (for example, a porch or back yard)
your unit or on your balcony, if you live in a multi-unit building like an apartment or condo, but that depends on your building’s rules or your lease agreement
You will not be allowed to use recreational cannabis in: any public place, workplaces or motorized vehicles.
Using cannabis in public can result in a fine of up to: $1,000 for a first offence and $5,000 for subsequent offences
It is illegal to drive drug-impaired and it’s just as dangerous as driving drunk. Cannabis, like many other drugs, slows your reaction time and increases your chances of being in a collision.
If a police officer finds that you are impaired by any drug, including cannabis, you will face serious penalties, including:
an immediate license suspension, financial penalties, possible vehicle impoundment, possible criminal record or possible jail time.
Police officers will be authorized to use oral fluid screening devices at roadside. Once a federally approved device is available, we will implement the use of those devices to help police enforce the law.

5. What is cannabis?
Cannabis, also called marijuana, weed and pot, is a psychoactive drug that comes from a plant with common strains that include Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. It consists of dried flowers, fruiting tops and leaves that are greenish or brownish.

6. How is cannabis consumed?
Smoked as a cigarette, called a joint, spliff or a blunt
Smoked or vaporized (sometimes called vaping) through a pipe, bong or an e- cigarette
Mixed into a drink or food, such as tea, brownies, gummies and candies, called edibles
Consumed as a cannabis tincture (alcohol-based extract) on its own or added to food or drinks
Heated and inhaled (called dabbing) as oil, wax, or in a form called shatter that is made from cannabis resin or hash
There is a variety of ways to consume cannabis and it is not always smoked. It is important to note that you may not always be able to smell cannabis use.

7. Cannabis Statistics in Ontario
Although most youth in Ontario do not use cannabis, even occasional use has risks.
In Ontario, about 1 in 5 students (19%) in grades 7 to 12 say they have used cannabis at least once in the past year. Among this group, most used a bong, joint or edibles. For youth who use cannabis often and over time, it can be addictive, can affect brain development and may increase the risk for mental health problems.
Youth are especially vulnerable to the effects of cannabis since brain development is not complete until about the age of 25.
Parents/guardians and caregivers play an important role in their child’s decision in whether or not to use cannabis.
It is important to remember that 81% of students report that they have not used cannabis at all in the past year.
Cannabis Statistics in Ontario
It is important to note that most youth do no use cannabis. The purpose of legalization is to continue to limit use of cannabis by minors.

8. Cannabis use in Peel Region
Approximately 8% of residents (aged 12 years and older) have used cannabis at least once in the past 12 months.
Past-year cannabis use is higher among males (11%) compared to females (5%) and 19 to 29 year-olds (23%) compared to other age groups.
16% of students in grades7-12 have used cannabis in the past year.
Over one-third of grade 12 students (37%) report using cannabis at least once in the past year.
About 68% of students in grades 7-12 do not intend to use cannabis even if it is legalized .
Although most youth do not use cannabis in Ontario, it is important to keep the dialogue with your child open and honest. With this in mind, parents should make an effort to stay connected with your child at a time in their life when they may want to pull away. While respecting their independence, it is important to have a healthy relationship with your child so that you can help them to make informed and safer choices. (Parent Action on Drugs 2016)

9. What are the unique risks of cannabis use for our students?
Trying cannabis is unlikely to cause serious problems, but even occasional use has harms.
For instance, driving after using cannabis may double the risk of having a car accident.
Youth who use cannabis early, and often for months or years, are at risk of long- term health and social problems.
The above statistics are from the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. While many youth are quick to dismiss the risks, it is important to have open and honest discussions about the very real risks of cannabis use for youth.

10. Some other potential risks include:
Increased risk of harm to the brain – such as problems with memory, concentration, thinking, learning, handling emotions, and decision-making.
Increased risk of mental health problems – such as psychosis or schizophrenia and, possibly, depression, anxiety and suicide, especially if there’s personal or family history of mental illness.
Difficulty with relationships – at home, school or work.
Physical health harms – including lung and respiratory problems from smoking cannabis.
Addiction – cannabis can be addictive, especially for youth .
Courtesy of Drug Free Kids Canada and the Government of Canada.

11. How will legalization impact our schools ?
Cannabis for non-medical use will be treated in the same manner as alcohol.
Safe Schools legislation and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic Code of Conduct (GAP ) address possession of illegal and/or restricted drugs.
Suspensions
“A principal may consider whether to suspend a pupil if he or she believes that the pupil has engaged in any of the following activities while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate:
Possessing alcohol, illegal and/or restricted drugs
Being under the influence of alcohol, illegal and/or restricted drugs
Principals will deal with cannabis for non-medical use in the same manner as alcohol. The parent/guardian will be contacted along with the police in accordance with Safe Schools legislation and the DPCDSB code of Conduct.

12. Impact on our schools cont’d.
Cannabis for non-medical use will be treated in the same manner as alcohol.
Safe Schools legislation and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic Code of Conduct (GAP ) address possession of illegal and/or restricted drugs.
Expulsions
“A principal shall consider recommending an expulsion of a pupil if he or she believes that the pupil has engaged in any of the following activities while at
school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate:
Trafficking in weapons, illegal and/or restricted drugs;
Giving alcohol to a minor
Principals will deal with cannabis for non-medical use in the same manner as alcohol. The parent/guardian will be contacted along with the police in accordance with Safe Schools legislation and the DPCDSB code of Conduct.

13. Impact on schools … cont’d
Principals will continue to:
Use a range of interventions, supports and consequences that are developmentally and socio-emotionally appropriate and include learning opportunities for reinforcing positive behaviour while helping students make better choices (PPM 145).
Suspension and Expulsion are not the only choices for principals, but DPCDSB also offers learning opportunities for reinforcing positive behavior and giving students the opportunity to learn how to make better choices.

14. Impact on our schools … cont’d
Follow Local Police School Board Protocol (2017)
Mandatory Notification to Police
trafficking in weapons or in illegal and/or restricted drugs
possessing an illegal or restricted drug
Discretionary Notification to Police
giving alcohol to a minor
being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
Search and Seizure
principal has reasonable grounds to do so, may conduct a search of a
student or his/her possessions in carrying out his or her duties to maintain order and discipline in the school

15. Prescription/ Medicinal Cannabis
Medical cannabis is subject to different rules than recreational cannabis. The production and sale of medical cannabis is regulated exclusively by the federal government.
Prescription cannabis will follow a different set of requirements and will be dealt with on a case by case basis with the support of a health practitioner.
Prescription/ Medicinal Cannabis
It is important to note that the smoking of cannabis will not be permitted on school property in accordance with Smoke Free Ontario (effective January 1st, 2016)

16. For more information visit:
The government of Ontario has set up a website to answer questions you may have about legalization of cannabis in Ontario. Visit the site above for more details.

17. Other resources Ministry of Education – Legalization of Cannabis
The Ministry of Education has also set up a website to answer questions about how legalization of cannabis will affect Ontario schools. Please visit these websites as they are a wealth of information for residents of Ontario.

18. Stay tuned for updates
As staff continue the conversations with our community partners, i.e., Peel Regional Police, Peel Public Health, Government of Ontario etc., updates will be communicated.
Things are changing quickly and this information continues to be updated, so please stay tuned for updates from our community partners and the school board.