Over the few past weeks, Canadian Liberal leader, Justin Trudeau, has announced his desire to see the legalization of marijuana use, saying that the product should be taxed and regulated in an effort to control drug use. Earlier, Trudeau said, "Marijuana is not a health food supplement. It's not great for you, but it's certainly-as many studies have shown-not worse for you than cigarettes or alcohol." This statement has outraged the Conservative Government, whose representatives have taken a stand against Trudeau, saying that his suggestion would give minors easier access to marijuana.
However, following the onslaught of criticism and after of declaration of a public campaign against marijuana, the main factions that represent Canadian doctors have made an announcement that they will not be participating in Health Canada's approaching anti-drug campaign that is said to be targeting young people in the community.
In a joint statement released last week by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, representatives said that, "The educational campaign has now become a political football on Canada's marijuana policy. We did not, and do not, support or endorse any political messaging or political advertising on this issue." Also included in this press release is a statement that all three organizations have been "invited to co-brand and provide expert advice" on Health Canada's public campaign, meaning that these health groups would have to allow the organization to use their logos and declare their endorsements on all of the advertising platforms that will be launched.
Although they declined to participate, the groups still emphasized that they will, "continue working to enhance public education and increase awareness of the health risks of drug and alcohol consumption by Canada's young people."
