Pubdate: Thu, 14 Sep 2017
Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 The Hamilton Spectator
Contact:  http://www.thespec.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181
Author: Andy Blatchford
Page: A8

EXPERTS PUSH OTTAWA FOR EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ON MARIJUANA'S RISKS

OTTAWA - Youth health experts are warning the federal government that
its push to legalize recreational cannabis should be accompanied by
extensive public-education and prevention campaigns that spell out the
serious risks of pot consumption on adolescent brains.

Parliamentarians heard this message numerous times Wednesday during a
House of Commons committee hearing to study the Trudeau government's
legislation to legalize marijuana.

Ottawa plans to legalize cannabis for adults 18 and older within 10
months, but some provinces and police services have warned the federal
timeline is far too tight for them to properly prepare for such a
major change.

Now, the government is facing demands to do everything possible to
ensure young Canadians and their parents are ready for
legalization.

Several witnesses said there's little chance stronger regulation will
deter youth from consuming pot. Therefore, they recommended the
government work hard to dispel the notion marijuana is a harmless substance.

"We have already legalized medical use and people automatically draw
the conclusion that all cannabis is the same: it's good for your
health," Dr. William Barakett, an advisory council member for Drug
Free Kids Canada, told the committee.

"Adolescents will procure and use cannabis regardless of the legal
restraints," he said, adding that makes creation of an elaborate,
public-education program essential.

"We need to educate people - people just don't understand."

Barakett, who said he treats addicts every day, was among several
experts who testified that Canadians still know far too little about
the long-term, negative effects cannabis can have on young brains.

Witnesses suggested the campaign target youth, parents, teachers and
anyone else in close contact with young people. They also urged the
government to provide tools to help adults speak to youth about the
risks.

Dr. Christina Grant, an adolescent medicine specialist, ran through
some scientific findings for the committee. "There can be no doubt
regarding the scientific literature that cannabis use prior to the
mid-20s is associated with structural and functional harmful effects
on the developing brain," said Grant, an associate professor of
pediatrics at McMaster University.

She said rigorous studies have shown a connection between regular
cannabis use among youth and an increased risk - of 40 per cent - that
they will have a psychotic episode. Other research has shown a
relationship between marijuana use and clinical depression.

In its March budget, the government committed $9.6 million over five
years for a public education and awareness campaign as well as
surveillance activities.
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MAP posted-by: Matt