Pubdate: Tue, 09 Aug 2016
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Page: A10
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Pamela McColl

OTTAWA SHOULD WARN CANADIANS ABOUT THE RISKS OF MARIJUANA

The online discussion paper in which the Canadian government outlines 
its rationale for the legalization of marijuana for non-medical 
purposes fails to offer Canadians critical scientific findings 
including that phocomelia (malformation of limbs) has been shown in 
testing in a similar preclinical model to that which revealed the 
teratogenicity of thalidomide.

A Health Canada document lists a plethora of risks, and cites 1,000 
references that substantiate claims of harm. A condensed consumer 
version of this document is required by Health Canada to be sent out 
with all legally obtained marijuana through the legal MMPR licensees. 
Of special note is a warning that men planning on starting a family 
should not use marijuana for medical purposes. This warning is not 
shared in the public consultation document.

Since the government is fully aware of the marijuana harms, it must 
not be complicit in risking the health of the public. It is critical 
that the government protect itself from litigation risk by informing 
individuals that harm is not only possible but probable.

Pamela McColl, The Marijuana Victims' Association, Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom