Today is the first day that cannabis is officially legal across Canada.

The nearly century-long prohibition on marijuana has now been lifted, and while many are celebrating this new move in Canadian History, a lot of people still have questions about the health risks cannabis poses.

Angie Royal, a Public Health Nurse at the Porcupine Health Unit, says the Health Unit if focusing on the safety side of things when it comes to cannabis, and their primary concern is about the enhanced risk to youth.

“”We know that the brain continues to develop,” Royal said, “until the age of 25. So youth are at greater risk of negative effects to both their physical and mental health.”

Some of the negative effects of cannabis can affect memory and concentration. Risks are greater with youths who have mental health concerns like anxiety. The younger the age of initiation with cannabis, the higher the risk of mental health problems and cannabis dependence.

Like with any substance, judgement and coordination impairment increases with the use of cannabis. This is a particular concern for drivers who might be exposed to cannabis. With the use of marijuana, there’s a potential risk for behaviour that could lead to injury or illness.

“We want youth to delay use as long as possible,” said Royal.

She added that parents play an important role when it comes to drug use in youths.

“We are encouraging parents to be having these conversations with their kids,” she said, “having meaningful discussions. And also, along with that, modelling some positive behaviour for their own kids.”

The Porcupine Health Unit has resources available at their office and online, specifically for parents. There’s a Cannabis Talk Kit from Drug Free Kids Canada that’s available. There’s also a document from Parent Action on Drugs that has facts and talking points on drugs.

Another concern that comes with legalization is exposure to second hand cannabis smoke. Cannabis produces smoke that has similar components to tobacco smoke. And while the long term effects of cannabis smoke are not well known, Royal says there are harmful effects of second hand smoke.

“We’re encouraging eliminating exposure to cannabis smoke,” Royal said, “especially to children. Pregnant women are also at greater risk when it comes to second hand smoke.”

She says consideration of your surroundings when it comes to smoking in public is very important for smokers of cannabis.

“We’re encouraging members of the community who do choose to use cannabis to be considerate of those around them in public spaces in order to minimize that second hand exposure. Especially around children, youth, pregnant women and those with lung disease.”

Royal says making the public aware of the risks of cannabis use is important for everyone, smoker or non-smoker. She said the risks include problems with memory, coordination, impaired perceptions or hallucinations, and an impaired ability to drive safely, which can lead to fatal and non fatal injuries.

Those with mental health problems are more likely to develop cannabis dependence, and when you smoke the drug, you’re at risk of chronic respiratory and lung problems. The risks can increase during pregnancy and using cannabis can cause reproductive problems. Ingesting cannabis through edibles can have a delayed effect so consumers who choose to ingest that way should be aware of this and not over-consume. The PHU’s main concern is focused on children and youths because they are still developing mentally and physically.

The Porcupine Health Unit has a variety of ways you can learn more about the risks of using cannabis. You can visit their website here, or check out their Facebook page here. You can also call the Health Unit with a specific question by calling 705 267-1181 and asking for a Public Health Nurse.

 

Filed under: Local News