Ottawa Public Health concerned about legalized cannabis edibles
Posted Mar 4, 2019 10:00:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The second wave of pot legalization has Ottawa health officials warning the federal government about consequences if they don't get it right.
In its consultation with the feds, Ottawa Public Health said a major concern was the way edible cannabis products might be branded.
“We want to make sure they don't mimic familiar foods,” Marino Francispillai, Program Manager of School, Community Mental Health & Wellness for the Ottawa Public Health, tells 1310 NEWS' the Rick Gibbons Show.
“Gummy bears, chocolate bars, or common cookie brands that kids could easily mistake for real cookies.” he added.
Francispillai said his warning isn't just for parents, but for users as well.
“Putting those markings [on products] is important, whether it's to mark this [product] has THC and has a higher risk,” he explained.
“[Another] one of those key risks we are most concerned about, which we have seen in other jurisdictions, is the idea of over-consumption,” Francispillai added.
Cannabis edibles can take a half-hour to two-hours to kick in, compared to smoking or vaping.
The federal government plans to have edibles legalized in the country on or before October 17, 2019.
