Conestoga College: Press Release on Cannabis Legalization in Canada

This report analyzes a press release concerning the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, specifically focusing on the impact of the law passed by the Canadian government, effective October 17, 2018. The press release, issued by Conestoga College, highlights the key aspects of the new legislation, including the legal age for purchase and consumption, possession limits, and the regulations surrounding the cultivation and distribution of cannabis. It emphasizes the government's role in regulating the market and the college's stance on ensuring responsible use among students. The report further discusses the amendments made to the laws concerning impaired driving and the restrictions imposed on the use of cannabis, similar to those for cigarettes and other substances. The press release aims to inform the public about the new laws and the precautions that need to be taken, providing contact information for further inquiries. Overall, the report offers a comprehensive overview of the press release, providing insights into the legal, social, and institutional responses to the legalization of cannabis in Canada.

Running head: PRESS RELEASE
Press release
Name of student
Name of university

1PRESS RELEASE
Brenda Cassidy
Director, Corporate Communications
[e-mail]
[phone] ext: 3336
“The Canadian Government passes a bill to legalize recreational use
of cannabis.”
The recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in Ontario, Canada on 17h
October, 2018, making it the second country in the world to do so.
Ontario, Canada, date: As of 17th October, 2018, recreational use of cannabis has been declared
as legal by the Federal Government. A historic bill passed by the Senate legalized usage of
cannabis, albeit under certain circumstances. As a result, Canada becomes the second country in
the world to have done so. However, the Conestoga College will be taking requisite measures to
ensure that cannabis, or marijuana, as it is known in common parlance is not misused or abused
within the college premises by the students.
The law passed dictates that individuals need to be at least 19 years of age and above in order to
purchase, use and possess or even grow cannabis in Ontario. According to the federal legislation,
there are certain conditions that need to be kept in mind with regards to recreational cannabis.
For instance, an individual cannot possess more than 30 grams of cannabis that has been legally
produced at one go. Similarly, individuals growing cannabis would be allowed to cultivate four

2PRESS RELEASE
plants at a time. The legal production and distribution of cannabis would be under the control
and supervision of the federal and provincial governments. Earlier, the production and
distribution of cannabis had been a criminal offence. As a consequence, illegal use and misuse
had ensued, resulting in an increased number of deaths owing to overdose. In order to counter
such adverse circumstances, the Canadian government has decided to legalize and regulate the
usage of marijuana. It is expected that this move will reduce the chances of risks from cannabis
as far as the youths are concerned and also prevent criminals and drug lords from reaping the
benefits.
However, this is to inform the students of Conestoga College that there are going to be stringent
norms and policies in place which regulate the use of marijuana. All individuals are expected to
purchase their marijuana from registered retailers who are controlled and supervised by the
federal governments. There are also licensed producers, who would be able to provide legal
marijuana. The Canadian government has also made amendments to the laws pertaining to
impaired driving, in an attempt to highlight the repercussions of driving under influence. It must
be remembered that use of cannabis or marijuana is illegal and a criminal offence for minors
under the age of eighteen. This is not to say that the historic bill that has been passed encourages
the use of marijuana, unless it is for medical purposes. However, it was deemed that
criminalizing the act would simply lead to more offences and increase in overdose related deaths.
The youths of Ontario, Canada are still discouraged from regular recreational use of cannabis. As
a result, the law imposes several restrictions which are quite similar to the ones imposed for
cigarettes and other substances.

3PRESS RELEASE
In conclusion, it must be stated that although cannabis has been legalized in Canada, certain
precautionary measures must be taken. In order to get further information on the subject, please
contact Brenda Cassidy using the information provided above.