Keep cannabis away from youth

I am writing to you in response to your article on the general public’s opinions on legal cannabis. The day so many people had been looking forward to has come and gone. I believe that the legalization of this socalled “harmless” drug will lead to more harm than good, especially in our youth.

My stand against the legalization of cannabis comes from the research that has been done in the recent years. Many teenagers believe that since it is a natural product, it is harmless. It is scientifically proven that the human brain continues to develop even into the early years of adulthood (up to the age of 25). When young adults smoke cannabis regularly, it can affect critical parts of their brain and alter their mental health forever.

A particular problem that could arise is the consumption of cannabis in young people. The legal age for possession of cannabis is only 19 years of age. Is encouraging youth to use at such a young age? I do not understand the logic behind how you have to be 25 years of age to rent a car, but you are able to purchase a Schedule 1 drug legally at 19.

I believe that it is impossible to avoid the legalization of cannabis, but I do think the federal government should enforce laws to have keep the drug out of the hands of teenagers. In order to keep the youth safe, these laws must be put in place quickly.

Sophie Hebert,

UPEI student