There is mixed reaction to the federal government's plan to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

The drug is to become legal on July 1, 2018.

Dr. Denis Fortier, vice-president of Medical Services for Southern Health-Sante Sud, says he is concerned about the announcement because drugs like marijuana can have permanent negative effects on the developing brain up until the age of 25.

"From a medical perspective, there is certainly some concern related to that. I do know that the government has struggled with setting an age limit that is appropriate. Personally, I would have loved to see the age be 25, after most of the brain development has been completed, but that is probably unrealistic."

Fortier's also concerned about the social problems that could arise from the abuse of marijuana, the same as happens with alcohol.