Londoners may have found way to reverse THC's psychiatric toll Western University researchers may have found a way to reverse the harmful effects that marijuana use can have on teenagers' brains. The researchers, in a breakthrough discovery, say they've found a way to use pharmaceutical drugs to counter the long-term negative psychiatric effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis that gives users the feeling of a euphoric high. Previous research has linked chronic pot use by teens with a range of psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia later in life, with the risk rising the earlier that young people begin using marijuana. [continues 504 words]
According to Dr. Michael O'Malley and Dr. Kiri Simms (via CBC), marijuana-induced psychosis has increased in the last 10 years. I do not dispute their claims. THC in pot sold on the street contributes to the problem. In fact, as with any illegal street-sold drug, the more potent the active ingredient, the better for sales. Yet, it's highly unlikely that the seller is concerned about the amount of THC in the pot he sells on the street, except for repeat sales. [continues 312 words]
Matthew M. Elrod from Victoria writes to the Prince George Citizen claiming there is no evidence that cannabis increases the rates of psychosis. I suggest that he (and any readers of The Citizen who may want to hear some clear evidence about marijuana induced psychosis) listen to the recent CBC Victoria broadcast on this very subject. In this interview Dr. Kiri Simms, an emergency room psychiatrist, gives an eloquent account of the increasing marijuana induced psychosis that she sees on a daily basis. [continues 102 words]
Dr. Michael O'Malley asserted that "incidence of psychosis has already been documented by some of the states in the U.S., who rushed to legalization of marijuana." ("Pot stance off-base," Letters, Aug. 16). There is no evidence that cannabis usage rates have gone up in the U.S. states that have legalized cannabis, much less that rates of psychosis have increased. There is some evidence that cannabis strains that are high in THC but low in the anti-psychotic cannabinoid CBD, as well as some important terpenes, may trigger psychosis in minors so predisposed. Unfortunately, black market cultivators and dealers prefer such strains and they do not require proof of age. [continues 124 words]
I am disappointed and alarmed at the lack of balance in the editor's recent editorial on marijuana in the Citizen. He ignores the science that has clearly documented the neurotoxic effects of marijuana in the developing brain of the teenager. Having worked here in Prince George as a family doctor for 31 years and since then for nine years as a G.P. psychiatrist I see the destruction that this drug is responsible for when it sparks psychoses in some individuals. The incidence of this condition will rise with legalization of this drug. This rise in the incidence of psychosis has already been documented by some of the states in the U.S., who rushed to legalization of marijuana. [continues 62 words]
Mental health group recommends strict rules on legalized weed sales When it becomes legal next July, recreational marijuana should be sold with more restrictions than that other weed - tobacco - says the Canadian Mental Health Association's Ontario branch. The group will release a position paper today calling on the province to ban pot smoking in cars with a "zero tolerance" policy, cap the amount of THC in cannabis products and use all tax revenues from them to boost addiction and mental health services. [continues 735 words]
Province aims to inform public on the risks associated with the use of marijuana Think of it as Reefer Awareness, not Reefer Madness, an over-the-top 1936 film preaching the evils of marijuana. With less than a year until the federal government legalizes recreational marijuana, Ontario is starting work on a public education campaign to highlight health and other dangers of pot - particularly to young adults. Health Minister Eric Hoskins wants the effort to hit the airwaves, newspapers and social media well before the new pot law kicks in next July 1 with 19 the likely age of majority in this province. [continues 473 words]
So-called bath salts, other street drugs are not a safe way to seek pleasure When someone offers a tiny packet of "bath salts" for sale with a price tag somewhere between $30 and $50, you know that it is not meant to be sprinkled into a bathtub. These "bath salts," commonly available in head shops, online and even in some convenience stores, may sport a label declaring "not for human consumption," but they are clearly designed to cater to the insides of the body rather than the outside. [continues 908 words]
Man convicted despite evidence being lost by police prior to trial A man convicted of possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking despite police losing the drugs will appeal both his conviction and the 30-month sentence he received Monday. "I have already consulted with appeal counsel in Toronto," said Ken Marley, defence lawyer for Miles Patrick Meraw. "I'm hoping the Court of Appeal will have the opportunity to analyze this. A case like this has never been before an appellate court." [continues 350 words]
The greening of a grey economy Down in North Vancouver's Lower Lonsdale, just a couple of blocks in from the neighbourhood's bustling main drag, the LotusLand Cannabis Club's storefront proudly displays its green logo in a stripe across the front windows. The words "British Columbia's finest," almost look official. Inside, through a set of double doors that help keep the smell of marijuana off the street, there's a chalkboard with daily specials behind a large gleaming display counter. The light and airy atmosphere feels a bit like a high-end coffee or chocolate shop. Except it's not. On top of a low table in a seating area, there's a tray with Zigzag rolling papers. [continues 2966 words]
Dianne McIntosh is continually alarmed by the teens who come into her Vancouver office telling the psychiatrist that they use cannabis to treat their mental-health issues because it's a natural - and harmless - - substance. "It's a natural product? So is tobacco, so is alcohol, these are all natural products," Dr. McIntosh said. With the federal Liberal government saying that cutting down on teen cannabis use is a core reason it is pushing to legalize the drug next year, Dr. McIntosh and a panel of three other experts are gathering in Richmond, B.C., on Sunday to clear the air about the dangers young people face when using the substance. [continues 560 words]
Health implications of marijuana policy are ignored, says Mitchell Moir. Canada's Liberal government has stated that marijuana will be decriminalized by July 2018. This means the removal or, at the least, a lessening of laws and restrictions related to marijuana use and associated pot services. While people on both sides of the debate have strongly held and differing opinions, the protection of youth is an area of agreement. Marijuana has been illegal in Canada for close to 100 years. Marijuana can't be produced, sold or even possessed. If caught, one faces fines, jail time or both. [continues 571 words]
I t was terrific to see leaders from Surrey RCMP and the Surrey School District offer parents such common-sense advice this week about the drug crisis afflicting our communities. School Superintendent Jordan Tinney and Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald urged parents to talk to their kids about the extremely high level of risk posed by street drugs these days and not to assume that their little darlings aren't experimenting with them. The warning came a few days after Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall made a similar plea, noting that 19 B.C. teenagers have died of overdoses since January 2016 and concerned that teenage drug use may rise soon with year-end parties and summer concerts. [continues 637 words]
Group advises users to avoid holding breath, suggests alternatives to smoking How do you minimize the health impacts of marijuana in a country where it is legal to smoke - or otherwise consume - the drug? As Canada approaches full legalization on July 1, 2018, a blue-ribbon panel of experts has provided an evidence-based answer to that thorny question and, on Friday, they will release a set of "lower-risk cannabis-use guidelines." The research, published in the American Journal of Public Health, is essentially a list of practical tips for current and potential marijuana smokers. [continues 584 words]
Re: "Talking pot: NDP launch marijuana survey online," Herald Online, June 2. Anyone interested in the impact of legalized marijuana only need look at what has happened in the U.S. In Colorado, there has been an increase in young people at ERs from pot smoking and consuming edibles. In Washington state, road deaths have doubled since legalization. The Trudeau government, in its rush to appease its pro-pot base and reap billions from sales, is simply ignoring conclusive studies saying young people who smoke marijuana run a greatly enhanced risk of suffering psychosis or other mental issues later in life. One thing for sure: health care and policing services will feel the impact of legalization. Larry Comeau, Ottawa [end]
If all goes according to plan, Canada's new marijuana law will take effect in July 2018. It's what happens between now and then that is critical, especially when it comes to safeguarding young Canadians who are the most vulnerable to the potential harms of marijuana use. Studies have shown adolescents are particularly at risk due to the fact their brains are continuing to develop and at a rapid pace. It's wise to take into consideration that research has shown that chronic marijuana usage is linked to memory and attention difficulties, prominently among individuals who started use while in early adolescence. [continues 346 words]
DEAR DR. ROACH: What advice do you have for both doctors and patients for approaching medical marijuana use? What is your ideal vision of its future? ANSWER: I look at marijuana as a potentially useful medicinal plant that has several potential downsides. One of the downsides is an unrealistic expectation of its usefulness by believers. I increasingly see claims that marijuana (or one of its extracts) can treat or cure almost every known disease. It also is hampered by its status as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency, so high-quality research is difficult to do. Finally, it has been used for many years as a recreational drug (which is partially responsible for the first two downsides). This has led to resistance to the idea among nonbelievers that it might have legitimate use. The psychological effects for which it is used recreationally can cause it to be intolerable for some. Further, a small percentage of people (estimates range between 2 percent and 6 percent) have difficulty quitting the drug, even when they want to. [continues 427 words]
DEAR DR. ROACH: What advice do you have for both doctors and patients for approaching medical marijuana use? What is your ideal vision of its future? ANSWER: I look at marijuana as a potentially useful medicinal plant that has several potential downsides. One of the downsides is an unrealistic expectation of its usefulness by believers. I increasingly see claims that marijuana (or one of its extracts) can treat or cure almost every known disease. It also is hampered by its status as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency, so high-quality research is difficult to do. [continues 557 words]
Author cites 'toxic' effect on developing brain The interim editor-in-chief of the Canadian Medical Association Journal is pleading for the defeat of a federal government plan to legalize marijuana, fearful youth will have easier access to a drug that damages their developing brains. "Simply put, cannabis should not be used by young people," Dr. Diane Kelsall writes in an editorial published Monday in the journal. "It is toxic to their cortical neuronal networks, with both functional and structural changes seen in the brains of youth who use cannabis regularly." [continues 545 words]
