Hastings-Prince Edward Public Health is partnering with the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board to hold cannabis information sessions.
Piotr Oglaza, the Medical Officer of Health with Public Health, says they are continuing to work with police, schools and addictions and mental health institutions to get information about cannabis to the public.
“This will be an opportunity for the parents to learn about the current landscape of cannabis legalization,” Oglaza says about the four sessions. The first is set to happen on March 20th in Belleville with one happening in Bancroft on March 27th. Oglaza says attendees will get strategies on how parents can work with their kids to prevent or delay drug use.
He mentions that 37-percent of kids will have tried cannabis by the end of grade 12. “We must recognize that cannabis use amongst teenagers is a reality,” Oglaza says.
He says the information given at these sessions will teach people how to initiate conversations with their kids about preventing or delaying drug use.
“We have to realize that part of the risk with cannabis at that age group is that it does have the potential to affect the development of the brain,” Oglaza says.
While these sessions are intended for parents, Oglaza says everyone is welcome to attend. The first one will be on March 20th at Eastside Secondary School, the second will be in Picton at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute. The final session will be in Bancroft on March 27th at North Hastings High School. All sessions are to run from 6:30 PM until 7:45.
More information is available at Public Health’s website.