The time is almost here – recreational marijuana will become legal in Canada on October 17. Like many Christians and non-Christians alike across our country, I share a deep concern over this issue. Even with the proposed age limit restricting marijuana use to persons over 18 or 19, the potential negative impact on youth – to say nothing of families, schools and places of work – cannot be ignored.

Because cannabis has proven to have harmful long-term effects on mental, emotional and physical well-being, it’s vital to approach it from a holistic perspective, just as we would with alcohol or junk food or anything else we might put into our bodies that may potentially harm our overall health. Here are some articles and resources to help guide you and your family through this upcoming change.

Talking with tweens about marijuana
“Once pot is legal, are you and Dad going to buy some?” This question from a 10-year-old followed a news report about recreational marijuana. A straightforward “no” would have missed an opportunity to start an important discussion about drugs, about the differences between what’s legal and what’s safe and smart. But what we should say to our tweens, and how to frame it in ways that equip them to resist temptation, isn’t always obvious. Learn how to avoid scare tactics while still sharing facts that will get kids thinking critically about why avoiding marijuana and other drugs is a smart, healthy choice.

Q&A: When your young adult’s smoking pot
In some ways, the transition between youth and young adulthood can be as challenging for parents as it is for their child. Find out where and how “supervision and influence” need to give way to “invitation and negotiation” in this troubling season.

Q&A: Spouse struggles with drug abuse
Drug abuse is just one of a number of addictions that have become strikingly pervasive in contemporary society. It affects men and women from every age group, every socio-economic stratum, and all walks of life. Discover how nearly every case of addiction is rooted in the basic human craving for attachment and relationship.

Whatever this problematic legislation may mean for you or your family, we want you to know you don’t have to face it alone. If you’d like to ask for prayer or arrange a free, one-time phone consultation with one of our registered counsellors, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1.800.661.9800 or email us at [email protected] today. We’re here to help!