CBC Canada
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is pushing for graphic warning labels on packages of cannabis products like those now in place for cigarettes as part of a national look at updating cannabis rules.
The recommendations cover everything from the location of cannabis stores to efforts to reduce the appeal of cannabis to kids.
They come as the federal government looks for feedback on its cannabis regulations in advance of an update expected by early next year.
Some of the recommendations were first presented to the board of health late last year, while others are apparently new. In particular, OPH now urges Health Canada to “include graphic health warnings, similar to cigarette packages.”
Currently, cigarette packages come with disturbing images of various severe health conditions caused by smoking, including strokes and cancer.
Cannabis regulations simply require plain packaging, including a standardized cannabis symbol and product information, as well as a standard warning message in text.
“Research on cannabis shows that plain packaging and health warnings reduces brand appeal and increases health knowledge among youth and young adults,” OPH said in its submissions.
The organization argued its recommendations would help people make an informed decision about using cannabis.
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https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/cannabis-warnings-rules-canada-health-ottawa-1.6873907
