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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D