New health curriculum puts emphasis on harm reduction

Manitoba is overhauling its health curriculum for students, placing a strong emphasis on harm reduction and the complexities surrounding substance use disorders. The curriculum, set to debut in September 2028, includes a range of topics from kindergarten to Grade 12.

At the kindergarten level, children will learn to differentiate between safe and unsafe substances, such as cannabis gummies, along with other common household items. Grade 6 students will receive instruction on the short- and long-term effects of cannabis and other substances like caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and vaping. In Grade 9, students will explore misconceptions about drug use, symptoms of substance use disorders, and the impact on individuals and communities.

Steven Stairs, a cannabis activist and consultant, urges the province to mandate a comprehensive exploration of Manitoba’s cannabis landscape. He points out that the curriculum lacks details on cannabis consumption methods, high-potency products, and the difference between medical and non-medical use. Stairs notes that while cannabis-induced psychosis was uncommon before legalization in 2018, it has become a real issue.

The revised curriculum adopts a harm-reduction approach, using non-stigmatizing language. Students will examine factors that influence substance use and avoidance, such as personal values, genetics, curiosity, and legality. The curriculum also acknowledges traditional Indigenous medicines and ceremonial tobacco, with teaching students how to respectfully interact with the land.

The education minister plans to collect feedback on the curriculum through a two-year pilot project. Early feedback shows quadrupled interest, with 25 schools signing up to implement the new curriculum immediately.