TORONTO – An Ontario government public awareness campaign highlighting rules around cannabis use and the dangers associated with the drug is set to kick off on Tuesday, a day before recreational pot is legalized across the country.
Attorney General Caroline Mulroney says that the ad campaign will focus on social responsibility and will not promote cannabis use.
The first phase of the campaign will run until the end of the year.
Mulroney says it will focus on answering questions the government heard most often during its consultations on its marijuana legislation.
Get daily National news
The advertisements will run in traditional media as well as on digital and social channels to reach a younger audience.
When marijuana is legalized on Wednesday it will initially only be available in Ontario through government-run online sales.
READ MORE: Toronto incumbent mayor John Tory says city preparing for cannabis legalization
Cannabis is expected to be available in private retail stores next April.
- Nova Scotia rolls out new cannabis rules, but Mi’kmaq group defends economic rights
- Teen accused in shooting death of Toronto police officer appears in court
- RCMP cannabis raids won’t ‘hamper’ N.B. First Nations pot sale discussions: minister
- Quebec cannabis use is dropping, but how much depends on age range
-
![]()
Province considers safety changes at cannabis stores -
![]()
Health Matters: Talking to teens about the risks of cannabis poisoning -
![]()
Atlantic Mi’kmaq communities at odds with Nova Scotia government over cannabis -
![]()
N.S. Premier Tim Houston responds to tensions between RCMP and First Nations following recent cannabis raid
The Progressive Conservative government estimates the province will see between 500 to 1,000 private pot shops licensed a short time after legalization, and has said there will be no cap placed on the number of licenses awarded.
Mulroney says the government’s public awareness campaign on pot will stress the importance of public safety and the potential health consequences of drug use.
READ MORE: Toronto police union boss says 28 day ban on pot ‘is simply not practical’
“Just because the federal government has decided to legalize cannabis doesn’t mean that it’s safe,” she said. “We want to be able to educate and keep Ontarians informed about the serious health and addictions risks that come with both short and long-term use of cannabis.”
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.