CNA News Room

Statement from the Canadian Nurses Association on the Newly Created Task Force on Marijuana Legalization and Regulation

  
https://www.cna-aiic.ca/fr/blogs/ic-contenu/2016/06/30/declaration-de-lassociation-des-infirmieres-et-inf

Ottawa, June 30, 2016 — “We were pleased to have a meaningful discussion on upcoming federal legislation to legalize marijuana in Canada with Health Minister Jane Philpott last week at our biennial convention in Saint John, N.B. We welcome today’s announcement that the task force on marijuana legalization and regulation will begin its work to develop a federal legislative framework for the legalization of marijuana, expected in the spring of 2017.

“The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) has been vocal in calling for federal legislation that includes safeguards for Canadians, with special concerns for youth, and tools to raise awareness about the potential harmful effects associated with marijuana. We look forward to participating in an open and transparent engagement before the task force report is released in November.

“Because registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are often the first point of contact for patients and clients, they recognize the impact marijuana use can have. That is why the task force on marijuana legalization and regulation needs to meet with CNA and its members, which include RNs and NPs.

“CNA plans to meet with parliamentarians to provide them with first-hand experience and expertise in dealing with impact of marijuana use in our communities. Consequently, we look forward to providing input into the content of the legislative framework.

“We encourage nurses to send recommendations through the task force’s online consultation process.”

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For more information, please contact:
Marc Bourgeois, Director of Public Affairs and Member Engagement
Canadian Nurses Association
Telephone: 613-237-2159, ext. 252, Cell: 613-864-1371
E-mail: mbourgeois@cna-aiic.ca


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