WITH LEGAL POT COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

Those planning to use marijuana must protect others from harm

Doctors Nova Scotia is warning would-be pot growers to keep the drug well away from children once it is legalized by the federal government.

“Understand the health risks so you can make an informed decision for yourself,” said Doctors NS president Dr. Tim Holland, a Truro native.

This includes keeping all seeds, plants, joints, cannabis edibles, such as cookies, and other pot paraphernalia in secure areas that children cannot reach.

For those who do grow and consume pot at home, using cannabis edibles is better than smoking, as it will not expose any non-users to second-hand smoke.

Holland’s advice to users comes as the federal Liberals rejected 13 amendments made by the Senate to their pot legalization bill, which included allowing provinces to ban the growing of cannabis plants in homes. Another 27 amendments were accepted by the government after it was reviewed by the Senate last week.

The federal government says its existing bill already allows provinces and territories to impose their own restrictions on growing pot at home. But Holland warned anyone buying seeds to exercise caution, especially regarding the amounts of THC, which gives users their “high.” Another chemical known as CBD can help make the high more tolerable and may prevent the paranoia and anxiety that THC can sometimes cause.

“Make sure you know you’re getting it from a reliable source,” warned Holland. “At least with a regulated distributor – theoretically – there’s a bar to be set.”

He added people predisposed to negative side effects such as psychotic effects should not use pot. This includes people living with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Other hazards include theft, although Holland said that with legalization the risk may be reduced, but users should not advertise the fact they keep pot products at home.