On Oct. 17, 2018, recreational cannabis became legal in Canada. As of Oct. 17, 2019, the Government of Canada legalized the production and sale of edible cannabis, cannabis extracts, and cannabis topicals. However, because licensed cannabis producers are required to give Health Canada 60 days’ notice of new products, authorized dealers may only begin selling the products in mid-December 2019.

In response to the legalization of cannabis, the New Brunswick Medical Society launched a public awareness campaign in 2017 to highlight the health risks that come with consuming cannabis products. The society continues to urge patients to fully understand the health risks of consuming cannabis.

Simply put, legalization does not make cannabis safe. Like tobacco and alcohol, cannabis can lead to negative health impacts. It is crucial that individuals take time to understand the complexity of cannabis and the potential adverse effects of consuming cannabis in any form.

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