Pubdate: Wed, 29 Mar 2017 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2017 The Edmonton Journal Website: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: Edrick Andrews Page: A8 SPEND ALBERTA'S POT REVENUE ON MENTAL HEALTH The system is underfunded, argues Edrick Andrews. It's been over a year since MLA Dr. David Swann submitted his report - Valuing Mental Health - to Health Minister Sarah Hoffman, with 32 recommendations for her consideration. While the government has delivered on some of these recommendations, the mental health system remains in serious crisis. So what is the problem? Acute underfunding. A scary situation since one in five Albertans will suffer from mental illness in their lifetime, and one in 10 individuals over the age of 15 will grapple with drug or alcohol addiction. Although the government's 2017 budget includes a funding increase from $49 million to $80.5 million for services related to addictions and mental health, much of the increase is intended to address the province's growing opioid crisis. This is a far cry from what is needed to tackle early intervention and treatment, prevention in youth, and research on addiction and mental health. Another concern is the disproportionate number of aboriginal youth with mental health and drug addiction problems. This population has special needs that require consideration for their cultural, traditional, and historical circumstances. The Aboriginal Mental Framework acknowledges that a service and knowledge gap exists in the model of mental health care provided to aboriginal peoples. It identifies the need for a considerable increase in funding to address the dire needs of this population. In its recent report, the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation was very clear in its recommendations to the government. It stated that revenues from cannabis should be used as a source of funding for education and research with an emphasis on youth and vulnerable populations. The report adds that government should also commit funding for prevention and education for addiction and mental health in their jurisdictions. The Canadian government has announced its intention to introduce legislation this spring to legalize cannabis. As the sale of cannabis becomes legal across Canada, the federal and provincial governments are expected to generate many millions of dollars. One news report indicates revenues as high as $959 million in 2018, depending on tax rates and consumption of the drug. According to the same report, Canada projects that 4.6 million Canadians will consume cannabis in the first year of legalization. This number is expected to increase to 5.2 million by 2021. In Colorado, marijuana was legalized in 2012. In the 2015 fiscal year, taxation on the drug generated a higher revenue than the alcohol tax (almost $69 million versus $42 million, respectively). The revenue generated from marijuana was required to be spent on health care, health education, substance-abuse prevention and treatment programs, and law enforcement. A change in law is required in order to spend the revenue elsewhere. In Washington, retail sales of marijuana began in July 2014. Tax revenue generated from sales of the drug is distributed in two areas: 40 per cent of the revenue is allocated for a general state and local fund budget while 60 per cent of the revenue is intended for substance abuse prevention, research, education and health care. Estimated revenues for Alberta are not yet available, but if the projection for all of Canada is close, Alberta may see a handsome proportion of that amount in its coffers. This funding bonanza can go a long way toward the Notley government's obligation to address the province's mental health and addiction problems. We propose that 100 per cent of revenues from cannabis be allocated to funding prevention of addiction and mental disorders in youth; early intervention and treatment programs; and research on addiction and mental health. Albertans' health should be protected now. The Notley government must stop underfunding mental health care. (Edrick Andrews is a member of Student Advocates for Public Health (SAPH). SAPH is a team of graduate students enrolled in the advocacy course (SPH 523) at the School of Public Health, University of Alberta. The team's mission is to advocate for public policies that support health promotion, protection, and prevention for all Albertans.) - --- MAP posted-by: Matt