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More than a bad trip: Experts warn about the risk of cannabis-induced psychosis – CBC.ca

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White Coat Black Art26:30The toll of cannabis-induced psychosis

When Kalpit Sharma started smoking cannabis, he thought it was just part of “living his life” as a university student. After all, he had been told that the drug was relatively harmless.

That all changed in the summer of 2021, when he started hearing voices in his head.

“I would bike around, and the chain of the bike, it came off. And I thought that I could speak to birds, and birds were telling me how to put the chain back on,” said Sharma, who was studying at York University in Toronto at the time.

Those voices are known as auditory hallucinations — a hallmark of psychosis. When they became more frequent and insistent, he went to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for an assessment.

Sharma was shocked when he was told that he had been exhibiting signs of psychosis — and eventually he was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

“The ground slipped beneath my feet,” he told White Coat, Black Art host Dr. Brian Goldman. “I’m going to be looked at differently. I’m going to be separated from society. I’m not going to be my parents’ Kalpit ever again.”

Sharma, who is now 23, said that after consulting with physicians, he believes his heavy smoking of high-THC cannabis contributed to his psychosis and schizophrenia. Now he urges consumers to educate themselves as increasingly potent cannabis products become commercially available in Canada.

Researchers are also sounding the alarm that, while casual cannabis use isn’t harmful for most people, possible connections are being found between using cannabis products with high-potency THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) and harmful health effects, particularly among young men.

“I think that people remain unaware of this connection between cannabis use and potential risk of chronic psychotic disorders,” said Dr. Daniel Myran, a researcher with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and a family physician.

Dr. Daniel Myran, a researcher with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and a family physician, has been involved in studies examining the connection between cannabis and psychosis. (Todd Langille)

According to Health Canada’s 2023 Cannabis Survey, 21 per cent of 16-to-19-year-olds who use cannabis use it daily or almost daily. In the 20-to-24-year-old group, that number goes up to 23 per cent.

In 2023, Myran co-authored two studies looking into the connection between cannabis and psychosis. They found a 220 per cent increase in emergency room visits in Ontario for cannabis-induced psychosis between 2014 and 2021 — with the number rising from about 400 people to about 1,400 over that seven-year period.

“For men aged 14 to 24, the risk of developing schizophrenia rises to over 40 per cent within three years” of showing up in an ER for cannabis-induced psychosis, he said.

Myran was also lead author of a separate study released in early February that found 27.5 per cent of people who visited an emergency room for cannabis use developed an anxiety disorder for the first time within three years.

Not your grandfather’s weed

Starting in 2020, Sharma’s cannabis consumption “skyrocketed” — when he and everyone else were inside because of pandemic lockdowns. But it was also shortly after more, and stronger, products became available in Ontario’s cannabis shops.

“I was doing, let’s say, half of a joint in 2018. That bumped up to, like, three or four joints in a day in 2020, 2021,” he said.

In 2018, the same year the sale of cannabis became legal in Canada, licensed cannabis stores in Ontario could sell only dried flower, cannabis seeds and some oils, Myran said. In 2020, the number of stores allowed to open expanded, and newer products like gummies — some with much higher THC content — hit store shelves.

A hand handing a marijuana joint to another hand.
According to Health Canada’s 2023 Cannabis Survey, 21 per cent of 16-to-19-year-olds who use cannabis use it daily or almost daily. In the 20-to-24-year-old group, that number goes up to 23 per cent. Five years earlier, the sale of cannabis became legal in Canada. (Joe Mahoney/The Canadian Press)

“The cannabis industry calls it cannabis 2.0. What these products are is just increasingly processed cannabis,” Myran said.

Even without getting into edibles, nearly all cannabis today is much stronger than it was even a decade ago.

“It’s been around for centuries. True enough. But the product that we’re using today that’s available to our youth and young adults into the population today is completely different than even what it was 10, 15 years ago,” said Dr. Philip Tibbo, a professor and director of research in the department of psychiatry at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

LISTEN | What do I need to know about high-potency cannabis?:

The Dose23:16What do I need to know about high-potency cannabis?


Naturally occurring cannabis plants contain one to two per cent THC; genetically modified plants are cultivated to boost the percentage. From the 1960s to the ’80s, you might encounter cannabis with anywhere from one to five per cent THC.

Today, the amount in plants is much higher, and commercially available processed products can contain 20 per cent THC or more.

Those higher-THC products enticed Sharma as he smoked more products to chase higher highs. He was also drawn to products with humorous names, like a strain called Black Widow, since it reminded him of the Marvel character.

After his diagnosis, Sharma initially tried cognitive behavioural therapy, but he declined an anti-psychotic medication, Abilify, recommended by doctors out of fear of the stigma.

Soon after he had his worst psychotic episode, at a family wedding in India.

“I didn’t follow through with it, but I was close to self-harm,” he said.

WATCH | Cannabis use, hospitalizations up 5 years after legalization, researchers say:

Cannabis use and hospitalizations up 5 years after legalization, researchers say

4 months ago

Duration 2:11

The number of Canadians using cannabis has increased by 25 per cent since it was legalized five years ago, a new commentary in the Canadian Medical Association Journal stated. But hospitalizations are also on the rise, prompting some doctors to say more information and better policies are needed to better mitigate negative outcomes.

When cannabis was first legalized, some labels on packages included warnings that regular use “can increase the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia.” They were phased out in April 2019.

Health Canada told CBC News that the labels were changed to “refresh messaging to make it more reflective of population-level guidance,” and included consultations with scientific experts and the public.

Health Canada does have warnings online to “avoid cannabis completely” if you’re at risk of psychosis or schizophrenia.

Ottawa researcher Myran said it was a mistake to do so and that those warnings should be put back. “I think Canadians have a right to know about this association, about this link,” he said.

What to know about high-THC cannabis

Today, Sharma is working on managing his psychosis with therapy, medication — and laughter, when he performs onstage as a standup comedian.

“I was confused what to do with my life. So people told me to listen to my inner voice. And now I have schizophrenia,” he begins his routine.

He’s also working as a strategic adviser for the Cannabis and Psychosis Project, an online resource created by the Schizophrenia Society of Canada.

Two packages of cannabis-infused gummies are seen in front of six individual yellow and green gummies.
Gummies and other edibles often have a much higher THC content than cannabis in plant form. Edibles take longer to kick in, so if people want an immediate high, they risk eating too many too fast and getting hit harder. (Travis Dolynny/CBC)

Sharma said he hopes his story can encourage people to take the time to research cannabis instead of lighting up and possibly putting themselves at risk — and to always start with something with a low amount of THC.

Like any other product, Dalhousie University’s Tibbo said, it’s always better to be an informed consumer.

He said it’s important to understand that today’s cannabis products are often stronger and act differently than a joint passed around in a basement in the ’70s.

Edibles take longer to kick in, for example. So if people want an immediate high, they risk eating too many too fast and getting hit harder.

If you’re the parent of a youth who’s thinking of trying cannabis for the first time, it’s also important to know how to broach the topic, Tibbo said.

“Although difficult for parents, sometimes, [you should] be able to know how to ask those questions in kind of a non-judgmental way that will allow you to have a conversation with your child — versus that child, you know, kind of putting up the wall and not having that conversation.”

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What’s the greatest holiday gift: lips, hair, skin? Give the gift of great skin this holiday season

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Give the gift of great skin this holiday season

Skinstitut Holiday Gift Kits take the stress out of gifting

Toronto, October 31, 2024 – Beauty gifts are at the top of holiday wish lists this year, and Laser Clinics Canada, a leader in advanced beauty treatments and skincare, is taking the pressure out of seasonal shopping. Today, Laser Clincs Canada announces the arrival of its 2024 Holiday Gift Kits, courtesy of Skinstitut, the exclusive skincare line of Laser Clinics Group.

In time for the busy shopping season, the limited-edition Holiday Gifts Kits are available in Laser Clinics locations in the GTA and Ottawa. Clinics are conveniently located in popular shopping centers, including Hillcrest Mall, Square One, CF Sherway Gardens, Scarborough Town Centre, Rideau Centre, Union Station and CF Markville. These limited-edition Kits are available on a first come, first served basis.

“These kits combine our best-selling products, bundled to address the most relevant skin concerns we’re seeing among our clients,” says Christina Ho, Senior Brand & LAM Manager at Laser Clinics Canada. “With several price points available, the kits offer excellent value and suit a variety of gift-giving needs, from those new to cosmeceuticals to those looking to level up their skincare routine. What’s more, these kits are priced with a savings of up to 33 per cent so gift givers can save during the holiday season.

There are two kits to select from, each designed to address key skin concerns and each with a unique theme — Brightening Basics and Hydration Heroes.

Brightening Basics is a mix of everyday essentials for glowing skin for all skin types. The bundle comes in a sleek pink, reusable case and includes three full-sized products: 200ml gentle cleanser, 50ml Moisture Defence (normal skin) and 30ml1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum. The Brightening Basics kit is available at $129, a saving of 33 per cent.

Hydration Heroes is a mix of hydration essentials and active heroes that cater to a wide variety of clients. A perfect stocking stuffer, this bundle includes four deluxe products: Moisture 15 15 ml Defence for normal skin, 10 ml 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum, 10 ml Retinol Serum and 50 ml Expert Squalane Cleansing Oil. The kit retails at $59.

In addition to the 2024 Holiday Gifts Kits, gift givers can easily add a Laser Clinic Canada gift card to the mix. Offering flexibility, recipients can choose from a wide range of treatments offered by Laser Clinics Canada, or they can expand their collection of exclusive Skinstitut products.

 

Brightening Basics 2024 Holiday Gift Kit by Skinstitut, available exclusively at Laser Clincs Canada clinics and online at skinstitut.ca.

Hydration Heroes 2024 Holiday Gift Kit by Skinstitut – available exclusively at Laser Clincs Canada clinics and online at skinstitut.ca.

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Here is how to prepare your online accounts for when you die

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LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?

It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.

Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:

Apple

The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.

For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.

You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.

Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.

Google

Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.

When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.

You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.

There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.

Facebook and Instagram

Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.

When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.

The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.

You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.

TikTok

The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.

Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.

X

It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.

Passwords

Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?

Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.

But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.

___

Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.

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Pediatric group says doctors should regularly screen kids for reading difficulties

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The Canadian Paediatric Society says doctors should regularly screen children for reading difficulties and dyslexia, calling low literacy a “serious public health concern” that can increase the risk of other problems including anxiety, low self-esteem and behavioural issues, with lifelong consequences.

New guidance issued Wednesday says family doctors, nurses, pediatricians and other medical professionals who care for school-aged kids are in a unique position to help struggling readers access educational and specialty supports, noting that identifying problems early couldhelp kids sooner — when it’s more effective — as well as reveal other possible learning or developmental issues.

The 10 recommendations include regular screening for kids aged four to seven, especially if they belong to groups at higher risk of low literacy, including newcomers to Canada, racialized Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. The society says this can be done in a two-to-three-minute office-based assessment.

Other tips encourage doctors to look for conditions often seen among poor readers such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; to advocate for early literacy training for pediatric and family medicine residents; to liaise with schools on behalf of families seeking help; and to push provincial and territorial education ministries to integrate evidence-based phonics instruction into curriculums, starting in kindergarten.

Dr. Scott McLeod, one of the authors and chair of the society’s mental health and developmental disabilities committee, said a key goal is to catch kids who may be falling through the cracks and to better connect families to resources, including quicker targeted help from schools.

“Collaboration in this area is so key because we need to move away from the silos of: everything educational must exist within the educational portfolio,” McLeod said in an interview from Calgary, where he is a developmental pediatrician at Alberta Children’s Hospital.

“Reading, yes, it’s education, but it’s also health because we know that literacy impacts health. So I think that a statement like this opens the window to say: Yes, parents can come to their health-care provider to get advice, get recommendations, hopefully start a collaboration with school teachers.”

McLeod noted that pediatricians already look for signs of low literacy in young children by way of a commonly used tool known as the Rourke Baby Record, which offers a checklist of key topics, such as nutrition and developmental benchmarks, to cover in a well-child appointment.

But he said questions about reading could be “a standing item” in checkups and he hoped the society’s statement to medical professionals who care for children “enhances their confidence in being a strong advocate for the child” while spurring partnerships with others involved in a child’s life such as teachers and psychologists.

The guidance said pediatricians also play a key role in detecting and monitoring conditions that often coexist with difficulty reading such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, but McLeod noted that getting such specific diagnoses typically involves a referral to a specialist, during which time a child continues to struggle.

He also acknowledged that some schools can be slow to act without a specific diagnosis from a specialist, and even then a child may end up on a wait list for school interventions.

“Evidence-based reading instruction shouldn’t have to wait for some of that access to specialized assessments to occur,” he said.

“My hope is that (by) having an existing statement or document written by the Canadian Paediatric Society … we’re able to skip a few steps or have some of the early interventions present,” he said.

McLeod added that obtaining specific assessments from medical specialists is “definitely beneficial and advantageous” to know where a child is at, “but having that sort of clear, thorough assessment shouldn’t be a barrier to intervention starting.”

McLeod said the society was partly spurred to act by 2022’s “Right to Read Inquiry Report” from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, which made 157 recommendations to address inequities related to reading instruction in that province.

He called the new guidelines “a big reminder” to pediatric providers, family doctors, school teachers and psychologists of the importance of literacy.

“Early identification of reading difficulty can truly change the trajectory of a child’s life.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2024.

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