Province ignoring advice of its physicians, notes Dr. Gail Beck. Friday's announcement from Queen's Park on Ontario's approach to legal marijuana did not properly address the need for a robust public-health approach to be the foundation upon which cannabis and cannabis products are made available to the public. As a psychiatrist in Ontario who sees the impact of cannabis on young people and their families every day, there were not enough specifics about how the province plans to educate the public, and especially youth, on the risks of cannabis use. [continues 424 words]
Every day in the youth program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, my colleagues and I see young people whose illnesses are complicated by the use and abuse of cannabis or a dependence on this drug. We provide these youths and their families with information on the effect of pot on the developing brain. We are often able to convince young people to decrease their marijuana consumption or, in many cases, to stop using it. Unfortunately, legislators may not be as aware of the risks of cannabis on the developing brain as mental health professionals are. [continues 627 words]
Every day in the youth program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre my colleagues and I see young people whose mental illnesses are complicated by the use and abuse of cannabis. We provide these young people and their families with information on the impact of marijuana on the developing brain, including articles and research papers. We often are able to convince young people to decrease their marijuana consumption and, in many cases, to stop using it altogether. Unfortunately, legislators may not be as aware of the risks of cannabis on the developing brain as mental health professionals are. [continues 468 words]
Young people's health must be priority of legalization bill, says Dr. Gail Beck Every day in the youth program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre my colleagues and I see young people whose mental illnesses are complicated by the use and abuse of cannabis. We provide these young people and their families with information on the impact of marijuana on the developing brain, including articles and research papers. We often are able to convince young people to decrease their marijuana consumption and, in many cases, to stop using it altogether. [continues 489 words]
Re: Battle lines drawn on proposed safe injection site for Ottawa, April 6. I am writing in response to your report on Mayor Jim Watson's and Chief Charles Bordeleau's objection to safe injection sites for those citizens struggling with addiction. Your reporter refers to the practice of harm reduction as "controversial." In fact, "harm reduction" is a well-established pillar in the treatment of addictions and the city of Ottawa ought not to restrict its use. Safe injection sites also promote better public health by ensuring that drug paraphernalia are disposed of effectively and that sufferers are not exposed to blood-borne illnesses through the use of "dirty" needles. A harm reduction strategy is best practice in the treatment of addictions and the city should be attentive to that in these days when health care dollars are scarce. Gail Beck, Ottawa, Director, Youth Outpatient Psychiatry, The Royal [end]
