Celebrating peer support across the globe Living with a mental illness can make you feel isolated. The stigma associated with mental illness […] Continue readingGlobal Peer Support Day – October 18
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Mental Health and Legal Cannabis in Canada
October 17, 2018 As of today, the recreational use of cannabis is now legal in Canada. Canada joins Uruguay, the first country to have legalized […] Continue readingMental Health and Legal Cannabis in Canada
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World Peer Support Day, October 18
Celebrating peer support across the globe
Living with a mental illness can make you feel isolated. The stigma associated with mental illness doesn’t help, either. The typical route to recovery can involve counselling and medication. But, there’s a powerful recovery tool that is often left untapped. This tool is peer support.
A peer supporter is an individual with experience living with a mental illness who is trained to act as a recovery guide. These support workers share knowledge and experiences – something that a counsellor or medical professional who doesn’t share these experiences may not be able to do. From sharing coping strategies to helping navigate the mental health system, the relationship between an individual and their certified peer supporter is one that is supportive and encouraging. It inspires hope.
What’s more is that the relationship is mutually beneficial. Just as a peer supporter provides advice and guidance to the individual seeking support, the peer supporter can also experience benefits in their own life.
There is no “one size fits all” approach to mental health recovery, but peer support can help you find what works for you.
Today, CMHA joins organizations and individuals across the world in celebrating Global Peer Support Day. Join us in recognizing the power of peer support and the tremendous contribution of peer support workers.
Join the conversation online with #GlobalPeerSupportDay #PeerSupport
Mental Health and Legal Cannabis in Canada
October 17, 2018
As of today, the recreational use of cannabis is now legal in Canada. Canada joins Uruguay, the first country to have legalized cannabis, and several U.S. states in taking a public health approach to manage cannabis production and use. In legalizing cannabis, the Government of Canada is taking a bold step in ending the criminalization of people who use cannabis, lessening the burden on the courts, blunting the impact of organized crime, and improving the health of Canadians by regulating and enhancing the quality and safety of the cannabis products they are consuming.
After alcohol, cannabis is the most widely used psychoactive substance in Canada.[1] It is consumed by Canadians for a variety reasons: for medical purposes, for pleasure, to relax, to experiment, and to cope with stress. Under the new Cannabis Act, adults 18 and older (or 19 in most provinces and territories) will now be able to possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis bought from a provincially-licensed retailer, grow up to four cannabis plants for personal use, and make cannabis products at home.[2] In addition to these federal regulations, individual provinces and territories have set further regulations regarding its purchase and consumption that are specific to each jurisdiction.
Although cannabis is now a legally regulated substance, its use still comes with risks. Like alcohol or tobacco, the use of cannabis engenders potential short and long-term health consequences. Cannabis use may cause acute psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment similar to schizophrenia;[3] it can increase the risk of accidents and injuries and is thought to be linked to reproductive and respiratory problems.[4] For youth in particular, the risks for negative health consequences may be higher due to the potential for harm that cannabis use can have on the developing brain.[5] Furthermore, people who become heavy cannabis consumers may develop substance dependence, mental health problems, and/or a cannabis use disorder (CUD).[6]
It is important to note that the legalization of recreational cannabis has not changed the current regime for medical cannabis access. In Canada, cannabis has been approved for medical use since 2001, which means that a physician can prescribe medical cannabis for any condition they believe it will aid.[7] Some patients with chronic illnesses such as epilepsy, cancer, and chronic pain have found cannabis to be a beneficial medication for treating their symptoms.[8] However, the stigma associated with cannabis use and concerns surrounding its safety and efficacy continue to prevent many physicians from prescribing cannabis to patients who may potentially benefit from its use.[9]
At this time, there is not enough conclusive research on the harms and possible benefits of cannabis for both physical and mental health.[10] Given the uncertainties of cannabis use on health, CMHA hopes to see greater investments in research to establish more conclusive evidence on the harms and benefits of cannabis consumption over the life course and its impact on mental health for Canadians from diverse walks of life.
As recommended by Health Canada, Canadians should speak with a medical or public health professional if they are interested in more information on cannabis use and how it can affect their health.[11] For those who choose to use cannabis recreationally, we recommend consulting Canada’s Lower-risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG), which offer recommendations for reducing the harms associated with the consumption of cannabis.[12]
CMHA commends the Government of Canada for being a leader on the international stage by taking a public health approach to manage cannabis use. The Government announced last year that it would invest $46 million in cannabis public education and awareness activities for Canadians, with targeted prevention efforts for youth. As there is a possibility that legalization may lead to a higher number of Canadians experiencing problematic cannabis use, we strongly recommend that the government also invest in treatment. Investments in treatment can be supported by an intelligently designed revenue plan that dedicates a significant percentage of revenue from cannabis or cannabis-related sales to public awareness campaigns, community resources, and research that support cannabis consumers experiencing mental health or substance use problems. With legalization, safeguarding the health and well-being of Canadians is paramount.
![Mental Health and Legal Cannabis in Canada
October 17, 2018
As of today, the recreational use of cannabis is now legal in Canada. Canada joins Uruguay, the first country to have legalized cannabis, and several U.S. states in taking a public health approach to manage cannabis production and use. In legalizing cannabis, the Government of Canada is taking a bold step in ending the criminalization of people who use cannabis, lessening the burden on the courts, blunting the impact of organized crime, and improving the health of Canadians by regulating and enhancing the quality and safety of the cannabis products they are consuming.
After alcohol, cannabis is the most widely used psychoactive substance in Canada.[1] It is consumed by Canadians for a variety reasons: for medical purposes, for pleasure, to relax, to experiment, and to cope with stress. Under the new Cannabis Act, adults 18 and older (or 19 in most provinces and territories) will now be able to possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis bought from a provincially-licensed retailer, grow up to four cannabis plants for personal use, and make cannabis products at home.[2] In addition to these federal regulations, individual provinces and territories have set further regulations regarding its purchase and consumption that are specific to each jurisdiction.
Although cannabis is now a legally regulated substance, its use still comes with risks. Like alcohol or tobacco, the use of cannabis engenders potential short and long-term health consequences. Cannabis use may cause acute psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment similar to schizophrenia;[3] it can increase the risk of accidents and injuries and is thought to be linked to reproductive and respiratory problems.[4] For youth in particular, the risks for negative health consequences may be higher due to the potential for harm that cannabis use can have on the developing brain.[5] Furthermore, people who become heavy cannabis consumers may develop substance dependence, mental health problems, and/or a cannabis use disorder (CUD).[6]
It is important to note that the legalization of recreational cannabis has not changed the current regime for medical cannabis access. In Canada, cannabis has been approved for medical use since 2001, which means that a physician can prescribe medical cannabis for any condition they believe it will aid.[7] Some patients with chronic illnesses such as epilepsy, cancer, and chronic pain have found cannabis to be a beneficial medication for treating their symptoms.[8] However, the stigma associated with cannabis use and concerns surrounding its safety and efficacy continue to prevent many physicians from prescribing cannabis to patients who may potentially benefit from its use.[9]
At this time, there is not enough conclusive research on the harms and possible benefits of cannabis for both physical and mental health.[10] Given the uncertainties of cannabis use on health, CMHA hopes to see greater investments in research to establish more conclusive evidence on the harms and benefits of cannabis consumption over the life course and its impact on mental health for Canadians from diverse walks of life.
As recommended by Health Canada, Canadians should speak with a medical or public health professional if they are interested in more information on cannabis use and how it can affect their health.[11] For those who choose to use cannabis recreationally, we recommend consulting Canada’s Lower-risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG), which offer recommendations for reducing the harms associated with the consumption of cannabis.[12]
CMHA commends the Government of Canada for being a leader on the international stage by taking a public health approach to manage cannabis use. The Government announced last year that it would invest $46 million in cannabis public education and awareness activities for Canadians, with targeted prevention efforts for youth. As there is a possibility that legalization may lead to a higher number of Canadians experiencing problematic cannabis use, we strongly recommend that the government also invest in treatment. Investments in treatment can be supported by an intelligently designed revenue plan that dedicates a significant percentage of revenue from cannabis or cannabis-related sales to public awareness campaigns, community resources, and research that support cannabis consumers experiencing mental health or substance use problems. With legalization, safeguarding the health and well-being of Canadians is paramount.](https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44157601_497688674080083_4928858955121164288_n.png?_nc_cat=101&oh=7ce5e2d364ee1cad6beca52bf5e56459&oe=5C44AECD)
World Mental Health Day recognizes the mental health of young people
On Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, CMHA Brant Haldimand Norfolk will join international mental health organizations to celebrate World Mental Health Day.
World Mental Health Day is supported by the World Health Organization as an important way to raise awareness and advocate for better care for those with mental health issues worldwide.
The theme this year is Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World, in recognition of the risks and challenges faced by young people in today’s world and the need to begin the conversation around how we can better help protect their health.
Young people are vulnerable to constant stressors and challenges. Many are faced with issues of bullying, suicide, effects of trauma, gender identity discrimination and the onset of major mental illnesses with little knowledge of how to deal with them.
About 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario experiences a mental health challenge and about 70 per cent of mental health challenges begin in childhood or youth. This is why early identification and intervention, building resilience, increasing availability of and access to better services and care are critical in protecting and improving the wellbeing of young people.
It’s time to take stand and demand more for this vulnerable population.
To find more information about child and youth mental health and services in Ontario, visit ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/child-and-youth-mental-health/
Seems to me that 'Power of Change' is the perfect song for today's World Mental Health Day and this year's theme 'Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World', wouldn't you agree? BE #thepowerofchange www.chch.com/music-friday-project-dragonfly/
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Global Peer Support Day – October 18
Celebrating peer support across the globe Living with a mental illness can make you feel isolated. The stigma associated with mental illness doesn’t help, either. The typical route to recovery can involve counselling and medication. But, there’s a powerful recovery tool that is often left untapped. This tool is peer support. A peer supporter is […]
Mental Health and Legal Cannabis in Canada
October 17, 2018 As of today, the recreational use of cannabis is now legal in Canada. Canada joins Uruguay, the first country to have legalized cannabis, and several U.S. states in taking a public health approach to manage cannabis production and use. In legalizing cannabis, the Government of Canada is taking a bold step in […]
Introducing BounceBack!
If your clients are experiencing low mood, depression, and anxiety, BounceBack can help. Through BounceBack, adults and youth 15+ learn skills to help manage worry and anxiety, combat unhelpful thinking, and become more active and assertive.In addition, there’s no waiting period, and the program is free to people living in Ontario who have a valid […]
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