Pubdate: Thu, 18 Dec 2014
Source: Trail Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Black Press, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.traildailytimes.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1043
Author: Alex Atamanenko
Note: Alex Atamanenko is the MP for BC Southern Interior

NDP'S DISSENTING REPORT ON MARIJUANA

Parliamentary committees undertake studies dealing with various 
topics and then write a report. If Opposition members on a particular 
committee do not agree with the report, they usually put together 
what is called a Dissenting Minority Report.

The House of Commons Health Committee recently did a study on all 
aspects of marijuana policy and use in Canada. The NDP believes that 
this study was unbalanced and was designed to focus on the harms of 
marijuana policy and use in Canada.

According to our Health critic, Libby Davies and other NDP members of 
the committee, the study and resulting report did not allow for an 
unbiased assessment of both harms and potential medical benefits.

Significant testimony was dismissed and eliminated by government 
members, because it did not support their pre-conceived views about 
marijuana. Moreover, the report contains "opinions" that are not 
evidence-based, that are included for political reasons.

A broad consensus must be sought on this issue by involving Canadians 
from all walks of life, including but not limited to: public safety 
professionals, educators, health care providers, academics, legal 
experts, community leaders and youth representatives.

Unfortunately, the study heard from an over representation of 
witnesses focused on the harm risks of marijuana.

It is clear that the Conservative war on drugs is not working. We 
need an approach that focuses on health promotion, public education, 
and safety. Based on a more balanced approach, my party urges the 
government of Canada to:

* Pursue a public health approach to marijuana focused on education, 
and where necessary, treatment and harm reduction.

New Democrats acknowledge that there are issues of harm and risk 
pertaining to marijuana use, particularly for youth. These include 
concerns that marijuana can increase the risk of accidents while 
driving, and research suggesting complications related to schizophrenia.

But as noted by Dr. Evan Wood, Dr. Tony George, the Canadian Public 
Health Association, Philippe Lucas, and others, a public health 
approach to the non-medical use of drugs, is necessary and critical 
to minimize risks and harms. The committee heard that public 
awareness campaigns aimed at youth need to focus on accurate 
information on health risks and overall health and well-being, rather 
than using "zero tolerance" and negative messaging that is not 
effective, particularly for youth.

* Fund research to examine the potential effectiveness of medical marijuana.

Approximately 50 per cent of people who use medical marijuana do so 
to relieve chronic pain, according to witness Dr. Perry Kendall. 
Anxiety relief is reported as the primary motivation for cannabis 
use. In addition, cannabis has also been noted for its effectiveness 
in relieving anxiety that is secondary to their medical conditions 
such as chronic pain, HIV/AIDS and Multiple Sclerosis.

Finally, the committee heard that as a result of its potential 
anti-anxiety properties cannabis is under research for the treatment 
of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Veterans Affairs Canada 
also pays for the cost of medical marijuana for the treatment of PTSD 
in veterans.

But research on medical marijuana is limited because of prohibition. 
More in-depth research to examine the potential benefits of medical 
marijuana is needed, but is difficult to undertake due to current 
Canadian government policies on marijuana.

The government of Canada needs to fund research on the clinical 
effectiveness of marijuana; as well as the long term effects on 
vulnerable populations, such as youth and mental illness.

* Establish an independent commission with a broad mandate, including 
safety and public health, to consult Canadians on all aspects of the 
non-medical use of marijuana and to provide guidance to Parliament on 
the institution of an appropriate regulatory regime to govern such use.

The current unregulated markets has failed and produced violence, 
stigma, and control by organized crime.

Criminalization is not the answer. Our marijuana laws need to be 
modernized and based on evidence and public health principles.

The government's approach must seek to balance prevention, public 
health and well-being, harm reduction, community safety and public 
education. The federal government must also consult and work with 
provincial, territorial, municipal and First Nations, Inuit and Metis 
governments.

In summary, New Democrats express disappointment that this study was 
so one sided. As a result, it serves no useful purpose, other than to 
bolster already held Conservative political opinions that are not 
based on evidence.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom