Important Message on Bill C-45 and Changes to Canada’s Drug Laws
On Monday, we mailed home our re-enrolment packages with a request that all contracts be returned by February 14. Included in the package was also a lengthy letter from me (my apologies, it could not be shorter) on the impending changes to Canada’s drug laws and how CDS intends to respond both now and after July 1, 2018. A revised copy of our Code of Conduct was also included that specifically forbids marijuana in any amount at CDS.
I urge you to read this letter carefully and perhaps discuss this with your teenage children. In it, I reference an article on “Pot and the Teenage Brain” by Dr. Karen Sumner that appeared in the fall 2017 Link magazine. I also encourage you to read this piece and share with any teenagers in your household. Ahead of the changes, we will continue to educate our students on the dangers of drug use, and in the near future will schedule a guest speaker for students and parents with a police officer from York Region (more details to follow).
Below is a synopsis of the article that links to the full story.
Pot and the Teenage Brain
Should we be worried about the effects of marijuana on developing minds? In a word, yes.
In adolescence through to the early 20s, the brain is undergoing a massive reorganization and reallocation of energy and resources. The areas associated with planning, prioritizing, problem-solving, emotional control, attention and risk assessment are under construction. This makes the brain especially vulnerable to outside influences and input.
At this sensitive time of development, the effects of alcohol and cannabis are significantly greater than later in life. Intoxication in any form disrupts the developmental process and can leave lasting effects. Recent research is uncovering the ways in which cannabis use among teens can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss and susceptibility to mental illness.
The earlier a teen uses marijuana, the worse for the brain. Studies have shown negative impacts on mental processing, verbal learning, attention, memory, impulse control and motivation among 13-24 year olds.
Marijuana is not a harmless drug, as many teens argue. Our understanding of both brain science and the effects of TCH on developing minds is growing, and the picture isn’t good. The opinion of the Harvard Medical School, for example, is that adolescents are uniquely susceptible to lasting damage from marijuana use, leading to both physical and neurological disorders.
It’s time to talk openly – at home and at school – about pot and the teenage brain.
John Liggett
Head of School
Head of School
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
