Almost 15% of Canadian workers admit to using cannabis before and during shifts; Commission calls for more civil and informative election debates

Cannabis use before and during work at concerning rates

Over half a million Canadian workers admitted to consuming cannabis before or during their shifts. Statistics Canada said the number amounts to almost 15 percent of total workers across the country. The findings are raising concerns about workplace safety and people driving to and from work after consuming the drug.

Older adults make up 50 percent of new cannabis users

Half of firstime cannabis users so far this year are 45 or older according to a Statistics Canada survey. Use in that age increased one third compared to the same period in 2018. The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse said with marketing campaigns geared towards younger adults, it’s concerned about how older people are using the drug and whether they have all the information.

Improvements to federal election debates needed

A new commission said Canadians need better access to debates during the upcoming federal election. It debates should also be more civil and educational for voters trying to make informed decisions. The commission consulted 45 people and groups. Some of those included journalists, experts in civic education and debate organizers in other countries.

Antiretroviral drug make HIV nontransferable 

A drug has proven to prevent the transmission of HIV from men to their partners when not using condoms. The European study followed about 1,000 gay couples over an eight-year span where one was HIV positive. Researchers said using antiretroviral therapy suppresses the AIDS virus to undetectable levels and can’t be passed on through sex.