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9 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,D ecem ber 20,2018 theifp.ca bis. "It's always available for those who have their prescription," she said, adding that she prefers the use of cannabis to treat a variety of ailments rather than using a chem- ical pill. "It's a flower. It's not a pill produced on an assembly line." But Halton Region's health department doesn't share the same sentiments. Elizabeth Kosturik, communications special- ist at Halton Region, said there are both short and long-term effects of using cannabis, and the only way to completely avoid the risks associated with cannabis use is to not use it. She cited the following as short-term risks: anxi- ety, fear or panic, confu- sion, decreased blood pressure (can cause dizzi- ness or fainting), im- paired ability to concen- trate, focus or remember things, increased heart rate (increasing the risk of heart attack in those with heart conditions), reduced ability to react quickly, sleepiness and paranoia and/or delu- sional thoughts. The long-term effects she listed as: bronchitis, lung infections, chronic long-term cough and risk of addiction. There is also an in- creased risk of develop- ing chronic psychosis dis- orders, including schizo- phrenia, she said. Just as there is no safe level of second-hand to- bacco smoke exposure, either indoors or out- doors, there are similar concerns around canna- bis smoke. The second- hand smoke produced when smoking cannabis is considered as harmful to a nonsmoker as ciga- rette smoke. On the other hand, Parrotta said there are many ways to reap the benefits of CBD, without smoking. Vaporizing heats the cannabis so that the THC and CBD benefits can be activated, whereas smok- ing combusts the plant, resulting in smoke, tar and other debris entering the lungs. Health Canada suggests vaporizing as a healthier way to consume medicine. Licensed cannabis producers offer a wide range of products: dry herb/flower, extracts/ oils, gel capsules, sublin- gual sprays, powder and topical creams. The province has also aligned cannabis con- sumption rules with the restrictions set out in the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. Under the Act, smoking and vaping can- nabis is strictly prohibit- ed near schools, chil- dren's playgrounds, hos- pitals and child care facil- ities - among other areas. Any form of recre- ational cannabis con- sumption is prohibited in motor vehicles and boats. Kari Veno, senior com- munications consultant with Halton Healthcare, said cannabis has not in- creased visits to their hospitals (Milton District Hospital, Georgetown Hospital and Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hos- pital). "At this point in time, following the legalization of recreational cannabis on Oct. 17, we have not seen an increase in can- nabis-related emergency room visits at our hospi- tals," she said. As for Canadian Blood Services, it's business as usual - all blood is screened to ensure its safety. There is one question asking donors if they have used marijuana, however that doesn't mean a donor isn't eligi- ble. "Individuals who use cannabis or marijuana may be eligible to donate, however, any evidence of intoxication or inability to give an informed con- sent will prevent you from donating." Since October, one thing that changes be- cause of the legalization are stronger laws to deter and detect those who drive while impaired by alcohol and drugs, in- cluding cannabis. As of June 21, 2018, as a result of Bill C-46, police can now also demand a sample of oral fluid on ap- proved drug screening equipment at the road- side. A drug screener has now been approved for use as an additional tool for law enforcement. A positive result on an oral fluid drug screener is strongly suggestive of re- cent cannabis and recent cocaine use. The government of Canada passed the new law because it cites im- paired driving as the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Cana- da. Kosturik said the re- gion has received 21 in- quiries about cannabis since Oct. 17 including re- quests for information that relates to health, by- law, retail locations and selling or purchasing product. Next week: Informa- tion for parents: How to approach your kids about the topic of cannabis. CANNABIS AND YOU Local journalism makes a difference. Support us by registering at theifp.ca Continued from page 8 STORY BEHIND THE STORY: While there's still a stigma surrounding the use of cannabis it's up to individuals to choose whether the benefits outweigh the risks. "It's a flower. It's not a pill produced on an assembly line." - Michele Parrotta If you've been good this year, save 10%*. Dates available early in the New Year! Visit Our Showroom 247 Armstrong Avenue Unit 10 GeorgetownMonday-Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Evenings and weekends by appointment, call for a free estimate:905-494-1915 miraclemethod.com/Brampton We also RefinishTubs, Tiles and Countertops Ok, even if you haven't been good, mention this ad and save 10% off the quoted price. Discount is not applicable on other services. New Quotes only - Jobs must be Prebooked by January 31, 2019. Each office is individually owned and operated. 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