On this page:
To promote the safer consumption of liquor and cannabis, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB):
Drinking is a personal choice. If you choose to drink, this guidance can help you decide when, where, why and how:
Pregnant, trying to get pregnant or having unprotected sex
There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Fifty percent of pregnancies in Canada are unplanned and 60% of women don’t know they are pregnant early in their pregnancy. To reduce the risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and other impacts, it is best to go alcohol-free.
Breastfeeding
Alcohol can be passed on to your baby through breast milk after you drink. Exposure to alcohol could be damaging to your baby’s growth, development and sleep patterns. If you do choose to drink while breastfeeding, there are things you can do to lower the risk to your baby, such as
Caring for someone else, or responsible for the safety of another person
Operating a vehicle, boat, machinery or tools
Alcohol slows brain function and motor coordination and can increase the risk of injury.
Taking part in sports and activities that need judgement, physical skill, balance and endurance
Alcohol slows brain function and motor coordination and can increase the risk of injury.
Taking a medication or another drug which shouldn’t be paired with alcohol
If you’re not sure, don’t risk it.
Living with certain mental or physical health conditions
Such as
Find information about lower-risk alcohol use, including
The same amount of alcohol produces higher blood alcohol content in an older person, and makes them more impaired than in a younger adult of the same weight. Find out about alcohol and aging.
B.C. liquor stores have monthly in-store campaigns raising awareness on responsible topics including
Get information on safer substance use and preventing overdose at:
Using cannabis can have short- and long-term effects on your health. Cannabis can affect your thinking, physical coordination and control. It can also increase your risk of accidents, injuries, lung problems, reproductive issues and mental health problems, including dependence. If you choose to use, follow the Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines to reduce your risk.
For more information about these guidelines, check out the Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines evidence brief.
This page provides information on the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction's (CCSA) suite of public education resources about cannabis and links to resources developed in collaboration with partners. Educators looking for resources on young people and substance use can also visit Educators and Youth and Emerging Adults pages.
The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) has many resources designed to help understand the various aspects of recreational cannabis and cannabis legalization.
Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and social service centres for young people ages 12-24. Find more information on cannabis, laws, health effects and how to manage use on the Foundry website.
This guide will help parents weigh the risks (and benefits) of cannabis use and put them in perspective within their individual situation. The goal is to offer an honest and thoughtful discussion on cannabis so parents can make better decisions about cannabis use—or non-use—in the context of their family.
Cannabis is legal in Canada. Find information on the laws and regulations that will help keep the people and communities of British Columbia safe.
If you or someone you know needs health support with alcohol or cannabis, visit Alcohol Use - HealthLink BC.
If you or someone you know needs mental health and substance use support, visit Mental Health and Substance Use Services.
Reality Check
Here to Help
Mandatory Display Program signs and posters, including Alcohol Sense.
Other posters