Wednesday's 4/20 day in Vancouver, prompted Fraser Health to distribute warnings about teens using marijuana as a health concern.
The information was distributed to School District 43 parents through administrators who reminded families that Wednesday, April 20 was not a professional development day.
According to Fraser Health, marijuana can be an attraction for some teens and cannabis intoxication can be a danger.
Last year, there were more than 100 visits to the emergency department because people were sick after eating too much marijuana, found in the form of brownies, cakes, freezies and other sweets. Half of those seen were under 23 years old.
"Scientific evidence shows that marijuana can have severe and long-lasting effects on developing brains. As minors are not excluded from this event, we encourage you to have a conversation with your kids about the risks of using marijuana, and when and how to get help if needed," a Fraser Health fact sheet states.
The letter sent to SD43 administrators was as follows:
"Dear Superintendent:
“World Cannabis Day”, also known as “4/20” is a concern for many parents and an attraction for some teens. Last year, thousands visited events in Vancouver and other communities along with vendors selling marijuana joints, paraphernalia, and edibles such as brownies, cakes, freezies, and other sweets. Unfortunately, minors are not excluded from these events.
Emergency Rooms often see increased visits on 4/20 from cannabis intoxication; for example, last year there were over 100 visits to the Emergency Room at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Half of those seen were under 23 years old. Over 75% had taken edible forms of cannabis. Edible cannabis can take several hours to have effect. Taking too much accidently is easy.
None of those who went to the emergency room needed admission to hospital. However, all of them almost certainly had distressing and unpleasant experiences.
Scientific evidence shows that cannabis can have severe and long-lasting effects on developing brains. Even when cannabis becomes legal, there will be strict limits to access by youth. We have prepared an information sheet on cannabis and 4/20 which accompanies this letter.
We do not want to youth to attend 4/20."
It was not known how many, if any SD43 teens attended the events at Sunset Beach.
A spokesperson said it's difficult to get attendance data for all SD43 high schools.
A link to more information is available here:
