October 15, 2018: Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is working to inform residents of the health impacts of using cannabis as it becomes legal to possess, use and grow.
Public Health will be sharing short videos (30 seconds) focusing on key health messages about cannabis on our website talkingaboutweed.ca which launches today and on our Facebook, Twitter and Youtube accounts.
Select videos will run in local movie theatres through October to December and invite viewers to visit talkingaboutweed.ca to get more information and to find additional resources.
“WDG Public Health isn’t opposing cannabis legalization but there is now a large corporate interest in promoting cannabis,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “Messages about the potential for mental health impacts, addiction and overuse, driving impaired, pregnancy and breastfeeding risks can get drowned out. The resources available to individuals and families will help everyone make an informed decision now that cannabis is legally available.”
The information is all evidence-based and is designed to help prevent problematic cannabis use by dispelling myths and providing education about low-risk cannabis use. The videos and website will also help adults ages 19+ make an informed decision about cannabis use and provide factual information and support to parents as they talk to their children about cannabis use.
Some of the topics highlighted came from a survey of over 2776 local residents in Wellington County, Dufferin County and the City of Guelph regarding their cannabis use, intent to use and knowledge about cannabis and its potential health effects. The survey results will be released in an upcoming report to the Board of Health.
WDG Public Health wishes to thank the youth focus groups who helped develop and produce the videos oriented toward a youth audience.
For more information or to arrange an interview contact:
Chuck Ferguson
Manager of Communications
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4374
chuck.ferguson@wdgpublichealth.ca