The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) said concerns still remain about cannabis in Canada on the dawn of a new era.
Marijuana becomes legal across Canada on Wednesday.
“While CNA welcomes Bill C-45, the federal act that legalized non-medical cannabis, we continue to have concerns," said CNA CEO Mike Villeneuve. "First, the ongoing youth criminal penalties under the law will impact a large number of youth. Prohibition simply does not work. Criminal penalties for youth possessing more than five grams of cannabis are too onerous and, if laid on an individual, could jeopardize his or her future."
The CNA is recommending that youth possession of cannabis not be subject to criminal penalties but instead, the government adopt a restorative justice approach or a system of criminal justice that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.
Recreational marijuana is still illegal for those under 19.
Villenueve said the CNA is pleased that the federal budget provided new investments for cannabis education but feels more can be done.
A recent Nanos poll revealed that more than nine in 10 Canadians expect nurses to be key sources of cannabis information but a separate survey found that only six in 10 nurses consider themselves knowledgeable or very knowledgeable about the risks associated with non-medical cannabis.
“CNA has been working diligently to help ensure that everyone is ready for the legalization of recreational cannabis," said Villeneuve. "As we enter this new era of cannabis use, we encourage everyone – especially nurses – to visit CNA’s website to see the educational tools and resources that we have to offer.
The CNA adds it will continue to call on the government to remove the tax on medical cannabis because patients will suffer under the new framework.