London, ON – Many people across the region start the year by making a commitment to healthier living. So it’s no surprise that among the many new year’s resolutions that get made each January, quitting smoking is consistently near the top of the list. For this year’s edition of National Non-Smoking Week, which runs from January 20th to January 26th, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is not only focusing on tobacco, but is encouraging people to think about the smoking and vaping of cannabis as well.
In December of 2018, the Health Unit launched its YouNeedToKnow campaign which aims to help the residents of London and Middlesex County better understand the laws that pertain to cannabis use, including smoking and vaping. Accompanied by the www.YouNeedToKnow.ca website, the campaign uses clear graphics that highlight key parts of the legislation, while underscoring potential negative health effects and risks associated with cannabis use. The website also provides links to credible research, online resources, and strategies to lower potential risks associated with cannabis use.
“National Non-Smoking Week is a great time to take the first steps towards a life free from tobacco, but with the legalization of cannabis this past October, we want to make sure that people also have access to the facts so they can make informed decisions about cannabis use,” says Linda Stobo, Manager of the Chronic Disease and Tobacco Control Team at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “One of the key things we want people to know is that smoke is smoke, whether it’s from tobacco, cannabis, or hookah.”
As part of recent amendments to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, smoking cannabis and the vaping of any substance are illegal in all places where smoking tobacco is prohibited. This includes any enclosed workplace including a workplace vehicle, any enclosed public place, and other smoke-free places including school and hospital grounds, playgrounds and sports fields, and community recreational facility property.
For those who currently use tobacco and want to quit, trained quit specialists can be contacted through the Smokers’ Helpline (@SmokersHelpline on Twitter) toll-free at 1-877-513-5333 to create a quit plan. Many family health teams in the community also offer quit smoking counselling and/or free nicotine replacement therapy; while doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists can prescribe quit smoking medications. Speak to a healthcare provider for any concerns about cannabis use.
For more information on the local quit smoking supports and services that are available, please contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Quit Clinic at 519-663-5317, ext. HELP (4357) or www.healthunit.com/quitting.
Media Contact and Spokesperson:
Linda Stobo, Program Manager, Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control, 519-663-5317 extension 2388 or 519-617-0169 (cell.)