Health ministers meeting in Edmonton tackles marijuana and fentanyl

A man lights a marijuana joint as he participates in the 4/20 protest on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on April 20, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The health implications of legalized cannabis and ways to combat Canada’s rising opioid problem are on the agenda when health ministers meet this week in Edmonton.

Provincial and territorial ministers will hold discussions Thursday and will get an update on the marijuana file from federal counterpart Ginette Petipas Taylor on Friday.

Manitoba Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen says he wants to know more about the impacts on health and the health system.

Ottawa has set the minimum legal age for marijuana consumption at 18 when recreational cannabis use becomes legal July 1st.

The provinces can set the minimum age higher, Alberta has proposed its age limit of 18.

Albertan’s can provide their feedback on the provinces framework by taking part in an online survey until October 27th.