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ns id eh al to n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | Th ur sd ay , Fe br ua ry 8 , 20 18 | o > ED ITO R IA L - II OPINION F i r s t , d o n o h a r m There's a cultural deification of cannabis happening in Canada. The weed is touted as the cure for just about every­ thing and suggestions there may be any downsides to its use are silenced by choruses singing its praises. A Metroland staffer, already taking prescription me­ dication for anxiety and a sleep disorder, had her curi­ osity peaked by rampant claims that cannabis is a mi­ raculous panacea for whatever ails you. She asked her doctor about switching from big phar­ ma to medical marijuana. But the doctor refused, saying she had taken an oath to "do no harm." While the physician was aware of all the anecdotal evidence that cannabis is the answer to myriad health problems, she just hadn't seen the scien­ tific proof. And she had concerns about unknown health risks. Her advice? Wait for the science to come in. Only then would the doctor feel comfortable prescribing can­ nabis as medicine. And maybe that's good advice for recreational use as well. Because the research hasn't been done. It's too diffi­ cult to do quality research on something that is illegal. In Canada, that barrier disappears in July Now the science can be done and we want to see research funded from the profits our government will make through the CCBO. Just last month the feds were patting themselves on the back announcing 14 projects to get $100,000 each in Canadian Institute of Health Research funding to look into how cannabis use will affect different populations and how use changes post-legalization. Bill Blair, federal point man for cannabis legislation, made the announcement at the Centre for Addiction and Mental health, which is appropriate. The government admits the research doesn't exist and Blair said they're committed to strengthening the evidence base. They plan to pony up $1.4-million, which in the world of research is little more than chump change. Much more will be needed for the kind of broad stud­ ies that will now be possible, into the good, the bad and the potential ugly We want to see data. Track cannabis use after legal­ ization: the health ramifications, as well as the social costs and benefits. Drug use and misuse in all forms, whether it's too many smart cocktails, mind-numbing prescription opi­ ate addiction or cannabis smoking, vaping or snacking, is a health issue. One that needs adequate funding to address. So we expect to see CCBO profits put into quality science, research and health care. The Oakville Beaver, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. o ° O •o m e tro la n d m ed ia " Connected to yo ur com m unity* The Oakville Beaver is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the newspaper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca n n c flocna ln s id e H a l t o n .c o m editoi@oakvillebeaver.com G facebook.com/OakvilleBeav 1 9 @OakvilleBeaver Enjoy winter fun in Halton 'Conservation Halton offers plenty of options for outdoor fun,' writes Carr Winter is a great time to get outside and explore Halton. From outdoor adven­ tures to unique shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, take advan­ tage of some of the great winter activities we have right here in our commu­ nity. As a former hockey player, I enjoy getting out­ doors and being active dur­ ing the winter months, and Conservation Halton of­ fers plenty of options for GARY CARR Column outdoor fun. From sleigh rides at Mountsberg to ski­ ing and snowboarding at Glen Eden, there is some­ thing for everyone. Try snowshoeing or cross country skiing at Crawford Lake. Or go for a hike with the family on the Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest footpath. Don't for­ get to check the forecast before you head out and you can always sign-up for cold alerts at halton.ca to get instant updates and tips. Bring the fun indoors and visit any of our four municipalities - Burling­ ton, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville - to find the best shopping, dining, per­ formance arts, festivals and special events. The whole family can spend a day exploring everything at Royal Botanical Gar­ dens or you can check out new exhibits at local muse­ ums and performances at some of our theatres and galleries. If finding unique shop­ ping and dining spots are on your list of things to do, check out our quaint downtown cores and find local restaurants, cafes and shops. Or head over to the Toronto Premium Out­ lets, one of the premier shopping destinations in the Greater Toronto Area. Visit your local municipal­ ity's website to find more activities, including infor­ mation for local skating rinks and recreation cen­ tres. Halton is a premier tourism destination for winter fun. To plan your next outdoor adventure, visit halton.ca/tourism. However you choose to ex­ plore Halton this winter, I hope you enjoy exploring our region with family and friends and experience all of the great things that make Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. - Gary Carr is Regional Chair o f Halton Region. To contact him, email gary. carr@halton. ca. 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A c c re d its F D S A ® A c c r e d ite d VP and Group Publisher Neil Oliver Regional General Manager Kelly Montague kmontague@metroland.com | 289-293-0614 Managing Editor Angela Blackburn ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com | 289-293-0617 Circulation Manager Kim Mossman kmossman@metroland.com | 905-631-6095 Director Advertising Daniel Baird dbaird@metroland.com 289-293-0624 http://www.mediacouncil.ca mailto:editoi@oakvillebeaver.com mailto:kmossman@metroland.com mailto:kmontague@metroland.com mailto:ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com mailto:kmossman@metroland.com mailto:dbaird@metroland.com EDITORIAL - First, do no harm CONTACT US WHO WE ARE