Drug Lingo and Drug Paraphernalia

On this page:

• Drug Lingo
• Drug Paraphernalia

Drug Lingo

What does "4:20" (pronounced "four-twenty") mean to you?

To a drug user of any age, this can be a secret code for a time to get high. Where does it come from? There are different theories, one of which is that it came from 70's drug lingo, teenagers who are users today may know what it means.

The bottom line is you need to be aware of this or any other type language that appears unfamiliar. Visit these specific drug pages to learn other terms that can be used for drugs:

• Cannabis (ex:Marijuana)
• Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
• Ecstasy
• GHB
• Heroin
• Ketamine
• LSD
• Methamphetamine
• PCP (Phencyclidine)
• Psilocybin (Magic mushrooms)

Drug Paraphernalia

What are drug paraphernalia?

The term "drug paraphernalia" refers to any equipment that is used to produce, conceal and consume illicit drugs. This includes, but is not limited to bongs, roach clips, miniature spoons, straws, needles and various types of pipes.

What do drug paraphernalia look like?

The challenge with identifying drug paraphernalia is that some items are marketed as legitimate equipment. Bongs or marijuana pipes can frequently have disclaimers indicating that they are for tobacco use only. Things to look for when trying to identify drug paraphernalia are how they are displayed for sale, written materials describing the items and how they're to be used, and the business environment in which they are being sold.

Another feature you can look for to detect drug paraphernalia is appearance. Keep an eye out for bongs, pipes, and other equipment that might be produced in bright, trendy colors and have designs such as skulls, devils, dragons, and wizards. This is a clear attempt by manufacturers to make their product more attractive to teens and young adults.

What is the law about drug paraphernalia?

Section 462.2 of the Criminal Code addresses instruments for illicit use also known as drug paraphernalia. Under this section, it is a summary conviction offence to import, export, manufacture, promote or sell instruments for illicit drug use.

An instrument for illicit drug use means anything other than a medical device (e.g., a syringe), designed primarily for consuming or facilitating the consumption of an illicit drug. An illicit drug is a controlled substance (e.g., marihuana) or precursor, the importation, exportation, production, sale or possession of which is prohibited or restricted pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

Consequently, retail stores are not allowed to sell or promote instruments for illicit drug use. Retail store owners that sell or promote such instruments are at risk of being charged and convicted. The penalties are as follows:

1. first offence, a fine not more than $100,000 or imprisonment not longer than 6 months, or both;
2. for other offences, a fine not more than $300,000 or imprisonment not longer than 1 year, or both.