Legal prefilled cannabis vaping products are set to be introduced to retail outlets in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), raising concerns among local health authorities and RCMP officials. The province recently changed its laws 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, while other cannabis products like edibles and beverages were permitted.
Chief Superintendent Kevin Lewis of the P.E.I. RCMP expressed worries that legalizing cannabis vapes in the province could pose challenges for law enforcement, particularly in terms of enforcing laws against impaired driving. He highlighted that these products provide another way for individuals to consume cannabis, potentially leading to an increase in drug-related impaired driving incidents. Lewis noted that a substantial number of fatal collisions in P.E.I. involved drugs or alcohol, with a significant portion of RCMP impaired driving arrests on the island related to drug impairment.
Lewis emphasized the concern that the availability of cannabis vape products could result in more individuals driving under the influence. Health officials in P.E.I. also voiced their apprehensions regarding the health risks associated with vaping any substance, emphasizing that while legalization allows for stringent regulation and quality control, it does not eliminate the risks involved.
Addressing concerns about the illicit market, Paul Crabbe, the director of operations for P.E.I. Cannabis, mentioned that collaborating with the Department of Health and Wellness was crucial in the decision to introduce regulated prefilled cannabis vape products in P.E.I. Crabbe hopes that legalizing and regulating these products will reduce the purchasing of vapes from illegal sources, as current illicit market products may contain harmful substances like pesticides and heavy metals. The upcoming changes will ensure that only Health Canada-approved products are sold in stores, safeguarding public health and providing Islanders with safe and tested options.
P.E.I. Cannabis is in the process of selecting from approximately 200 products, including some locally made items, to determine the offerings in stores. They aim to have the first prefilled vapes available for purchase next month, promoting a shift towards regulated products and away from illicit sources.