Legal prefilled cannabis vaping products are set to be available soon in P.E.I., raising concerns among Island health authorities and RCMP officers. The province revised its laws last fall to permit prefilled cannabis vape items, becoming the final province to do so. These products were prohibited six years ago in P.E.I., Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec when other products like edibles and beverages were authorized.
Chief Superintendent Kevin Lewis of the P.E.I. RCMP expressed worries about the potential challenges for law enforcement, especially regarding impaired driving enforcement, with the introduction of legal cannabis vapes. He highlighted the increased risk of impaired driving due to drug use, citing that 45% of RCMP impaired driving arrests on the Island are related to drug impairment.
Lewis emphasized that the legalization of cannabis vape products could lead to a rise in impaired drivers, noting a shift in drug use patterns where cannabis is being consumed throughout the day. Health officials in the province echoed these concerns, emphasizing the health risks associated with vaping any substance and the importance of understanding that legalization does not eliminate health risks.
Paul Crabbe, the director of operations for P.E.I. Cannabis, collaborated with the Department of Health and Wellness to introduce cannabis vapes into the P.E.I. market. Crabbe hopes that regulating prefilled cannabis vapes will deter consumers from purchasing illicit products, which often contain high levels of pesticides and heavy metals. The upcoming regulated products will be approved by Health Canada, ensuring safe and tested items for Islanders.
P.E.I. Cannabis is currently reviewing around 200 products, including locally made ones, to determine the offerings in stores. They aim to have the first prefilled vapes on shelves by next month, focusing on safeguarding public health and providing consumers with secure options.
