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The reality is that younger adults make decisions about potential harms to their bodies all the time. Across the country, 18-year-olds can refuse medical treatment. We respect their ability and right to do that. Similarly, Canadian laws allow people 18 or over to consent to medically assisted dying. Again, this is with the understanding that decisions involving one’s health or body should be made with the presumption that an individual over 18 is capable and competent to make these decisions. Why should the cannabis issue be any different?

Canadians of all ages are redefining what adulthood means, and the implications of where we land on this issue should not be taken lightly. Despite how much younger adults might tease each other about their lack of experience “adulting,” they’ve demonstrated in so many areas that when it comes to legal rights, they are capable and responsible for making decisions about choices that impact their lives.

The research is clear in demonstrating that when young people are treated as adults, they tend to perceive themselves as adults and act accordingly. Placing increasing restrictions on younger adults, and denying them rights that they’ve previously enjoyed, pushes them further away from this self-perception.

I agree that there is the potential of harm when it comes to cannabis use, but the harms of moving toward a culture where younger adults are not valued, or seen as responsible for their own decision-making, are far greater.

Patricia Kmiec is an advocate and educator in the area of child and youth rights in Canada. She teaches Child Studies and Human Rights at Carleton University. Twitter: @patricia_kmiec

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