Pubdate: Wed, 20 Apr 2016
Source: Niagara Falls Review, The (CN ON)
Page: A3
Copyright: 2016 Niagara Falls Review
Contact: http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/letters
Website: http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2907
Author: Maryanne Firth

REGION WANTS CLEAR MESSAGE SENT ON POT LEGALIZATION

Strict Health-focused Regulations To Be Added To Staff Report

Niagara's stance on marijuana isn't hazy.

That's the message regional councillors hoped to send Tuesday as they 
referred a public health report on pot regulation and control back to staff.

While regional medical officer of health Dr. Valerie Jaeger stressed 
to the public health and social services committee that the report 
was not intended as support for legalization of marijuana, some 
councillors felt it may be perceived otherwise.

The report recommended council support a public health approach to 
the forthcoming legalization framework, including strict 
health-focused regulations to reduce health and societal harms 
associated with cannabis use.

It was intended to show support for implementation of regulations and 
restrictions should the federal government move forward with its 
legalization commitment, Jaeger said, adding similar documents are 
being seen from public health units across Canada.

"Cannabis is not a completely benign substance by any means," she 
said, adding public health is aware of risks associated with its use, 
which are "greater for the developing brain" and increase when high 
doses of THC are present, particularly with frequent use.

As a result, Niagara's public health unit has put its support behind 
recommendations from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 
which call on the Canadian government to set a minimum usage age and 
to also "curtail high-risk products and formulations" that include 
high THC doses, Jaeger said.

Other requests include limiting availability, prohibiting marketing 
to youths, regulating pricing and placing restrictions on where and 
when marijuana can be sold.

"I don't think the report is as clear as it needs to be," Pelham 
Mayor Dave Augustyn said.

He asked that the issue be referred back to staff to "clear up the 
recommendation" to say that council is not offering support or 
opposition to the legalization issue, but rather requesting 
restrictions should the legalization proceed.

St. Catharines Coun. Brian Heit, a lung cancer survivor, wanted to 
see a statement from public health included in the report to make it 
clear the department does not support smoking of any kind.

"That should be very clear to the world that Niagara, our doctors and 
staff do not support smoking."

A report that clearly identifies the Region's position on the matter 
is set to return to committee May 10.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D