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Back to SearchOctober 17, 2018 — Ottawa — In anticipation of today’s legalization of cannabis in Canada, CHEO has developed policies and guidance about the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis in children and youth at CHEO.
CHEO is committed to protecting children and youth from potential harms associated with cannabis use, while also recognizing the need to address its medicinal role.
In accordance with Canadian law, the possession of recreational cannabis will not be permitted for children or youth under the age of 19.
In addition, the smoking or vaping of recreational and medicinal cannabis is not permitted anywhere on CHEO property, which aligns with Ontario legislation that bans the smoking of tobacco on hospital property.
While not yet routinely prescribed at CHEO there are specific circumstances where evidence indicates the medicinal benefits of cannabis may outweigh its known or potentially unknown risks. CHEO supports such use and has developed processes and criteria regarding its prescription and administration within CHEO’s walls.
In order to contribute to knowledge about the safety and effectiveness of medicinal cannabis for children and youth, CHEO will support opportunities for research on the use of cannabis in pediatric clinical care.
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Media contact
media@cheo.on.ca
About CHEO
Based in Canada’s capital, CHEO is a globally renowned health institution with a mission to provide exceptional care and support to children, youth and their families. Opening our doors in 1974, we offer a full range of specialized pediatric care and services to children from eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut. Our site is home to a hospital, a children’s treatment centre, a school, a research institute, and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa as an academic health science centre. Named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024 and 2025, we are home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives.