A number of doctors are making their concerns known to the local politicians of Haliburton County.
Although recreational cannabis is legal in Canada, 10 doctors want people to know the facts and science behind cannabis use. In a letter sent to all of the councillors across the municipalities, doctors voiced their concern over the idea of allowing the drug to be sold in the community.
Dr. Nell Thomas spoke with My Haliburton Now.com, she says there is a lot of evidence and science that suggest cannabis is not as “benign” as it is portrayed. Thomas says she and her colleagues know of a large number of health care concerns that stem from the use and consumption of cannabis. Thomas explains that drugs go through years of research and testing before they are allowed to be prescribed to the public, she adds cannabis has not had that level of research and study, and even doctors that prescribe medical marijuana now have no way of determining the appropriate dose.
Thomas says the use of cannabis by youth has resulted in documented cases of psychosis. She also explains that research has shown long-term use affects the brain and creates memory loss and other negative effects. She goes on to say she personally has had patients that reverted to a catatonic state stemming from cannabis use. According to Dr. Thomas, health care professionals are “exhausted on the front lines,” she says there are a lot of instances where her patients will come to her seeking a marijuana prescription to deal with anxiety or depression.
Although Thomas and her colleagues do not prescribe cannabis, she notes that you can purchase it online and can specify the amount of CBD and THC as well as the form of consumption. But Thomas urges people shopping online, like any other product you might order online it is a buyer beware scenario.
Thomas explains with the use of cannabis, it is important to take caution, and she believes packaging for cannabis needs to include information stating the lack of safety data and packaging needs to raise caution and inform the person buying to “use at your own risk.”
Thomas expresses that cannabis is not the miracle drug it is perceived as. She says that although there is some evidence and research suggesting there is some benefit to cannabis use in patients with multiple sclerosis and seizures, there is no scientific data to support it being beneficial for long-term relief of pain.
The letter sent by Dr. Thomas and her colleagues was received and taken into consideration says Dysart Mayor Andrea Roberts.