Doctors Nova Scotia welcomes restrictions proposed for the legalization of marijuana
By Sherri Borden Colley,
The president of Doctors Nova Scotia would like to see a
higher age restriction than 18 for smoking marijuana. (Sean
Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)
The head of Doctors Nova Scotia says 18 is too young for people to be allowed to smoke marijuana
A federal task force released a report this week recommending setting the legal age for buying marijuana at 18, with a personal possession limit of 30 grams.
Doctors Nova Scotia president Dr. Michelle Dow said that while she's pleased to see some restrictions recommended, the age for legal use needs to be higher.
"The young adult brain is still growing up into their mid-20s," said Dow, a family physician in Meteghan Centre, N.S.
"Talking to some colleagues, some people would say maybe to put it the same age set for purchasing alcohol, so 19 in Nova Scotia, but personally as a doctor I think in the early-20s or mid-20s would have been a more appropriate age."
The Canadian Medical Association recommends 21 as the legal age to purchase marijuana.
Doctors Nova Scotia, which has an official position statement on legalizing marijuana, supports that recommendation.
"It would make it probably more accessible in a way, if you were going somewhere and all those products were available, so this way if it's separated, it's probably easier to control," Dow said.
The government hopes to table legislation in spring 2017.
Nova Scotia's Justice Department is also considering the report.
In an emailed statement, government spokeswoman Sarah Gillis said the department is reviewing the task force's recommendations.
"The federal government has significantly shifted policy on cannabis," Gillis wrote.
"They must pass legislation before provinces can determine how marijuana will be sold."
The government will ensure public health and safety remains a top priority, Gillis said.
A federal task force released a report this week recommending setting the legal age for buying marijuana at 18, with a personal possession limit of 30 grams.
Doctors Nova Scotia president Dr. Michelle Dow said that while she's pleased to see some restrictions recommended, the age for legal use needs to be higher.
Dr. Michelle Dow. (Doctors Nova Scotia)
"Talking to some colleagues, some people would say maybe to put it the same age set for purchasing alcohol, so 19 in Nova Scotia, but personally as a doctor I think in the early-20s or mid-20s would have been a more appropriate age."
The Canadian Medical Association recommends 21 as the legal age to purchase marijuana.
Should be sold in stores
The report said cannabis should be sold in storefront locations but not with alcohol and tobacco products.Doctors Nova Scotia, which has an official position statement on legalizing marijuana, supports that recommendation.
"It would make it probably more accessible in a way, if you were going somewhere and all those products were available, so this way if it's separated, it's probably easier to control," Dow said.
The government hopes to table legislation in spring 2017.
Justice Department waits for legislation
In the meantime, physicians still have a role in educating patients about the pros and cons of marijuana use, Dow said.Nova Scotia's Justice Department is also considering the report.
In an emailed statement, government spokeswoman Sarah Gillis said the department is reviewing the task force's recommendations.
"The federal government has significantly shifted policy on cannabis," Gillis wrote.
"They must pass legislation before provinces can determine how marijuana will be sold."
The government will ensure public health and safety remains a top priority, Gillis said.
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