Cannabis has little impact on AHS facilities and services

Marijuana joints rolled with Canadian-themed paper are photographed at a "Wake and Bake" legalized marijuana event in Toronto on Wednesday, October 17, 2018. Canada's decision to legalize cannabis will create a backlog in the courts as those charged with driving while drug-impaired are sure to launch a wave of legal challenges, a lawyer who specializes in impaired driving cases says.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Provincial data shows the legalization of cannabis has had little impact on Alberta Health Services (AHS) facilities and services.

According to AHS, the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre’s Emergency Department is among the few that have seen an increase, although small, in cannabis-related visits, along with Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton.

Health Link, on average, supported 10 pot-related calls province-wide before legalization.

Between 10 a.m. Oct. 17 to the morning of Oct. 22, they received 88, while the provincial Poison & Drug Information Service has received 19 calls.

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of cannabis poisoning, which can include a change in heart rate, confusion, anxiety and seizures.

If you or someone you’re with is showing signs of cannabis poisoning call the Poison & Drug Information Service, Health Link at 811, or 911.