The legalization of cannabis has changed the conversation, though not necessarily the consequences, for young people in Canada.
Mylaine Gauvreau and Ashton Bennett from the RCMP National Youth Service made presentations at three area schools recently about the affects of cannabis use on young people and the legal consequences for minors.
"With the new legislation coming out and wanting young people to know the risks both legally and then health-wise we felt this would be a good presentation," said Sgt. Tim Schwartz, Moose Jaw RCMP Detachment Commander. "It is presented by younger adults, they're not police officers, they're public servants. Sometimes the messages that come across from police are like getting the same message from your parents."
Presentations were made to the younger grades at Peacock and to all years at Vanier. Gauvreau and Bennett also spoke to Caronport High School students, with Grades 7 and 8 also sitting in. All told, approximately 600 students attended presentations.
"I think some of the kids were somewhat surprised by some of the affects and maybe the legality part," Schwartz said. "The biggest message we want to get across that when it comes to your health you can make a choice. Using drugs — that being marijuana or alcohol — are both illegal under the age of 19 and we're just asking them to make the right decisions.
"I think it was fairly well received."
While the RCMP National Youth Services members discussed issues related to health and legality, they also emphasized the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana in addition to alcohol and other drugs.
"I'm glad we're talking about this in a non-taboo kind of way," said Vanier principal Brad Moser. "This is their reality now and it's good to talk to them now about the fact that this is their reality when they turn 19. They need to understand that driving impaired under cannabis is the same as drinking and driving. It affects you the same way and driving impaired is still driving impaired."
While cannabis has been decriminalized there are serious punishments for possession for minors.
"I don't know if the students understand all of the legal consequences in Saskatchewan," Moser said. "If you get caught with cannabis on school property the fine is more than $1,0000. And I think if you're underage that's another fine and that's another $300 I think. There are huge consequences that students need to understand."
RCMP National Youth Services has a variety of outreach and engagement programs and Schwartz said he tries to make those resources available to school districts as much as possible.
"Any youth that can be educated within the city of Moose Jaw or within the RCMP jurisdiction, I think it's important," Schwartz said. "We always make it available to principals at the beginning of the school year. We make it clear to administrators that we do have presentations along the lines of addictions, bullying and things as basic as meeting with kids in Kindergarten or Grade 1 about Halloween safety. We try to get into the schools as much as we can. "
