The Chief Medical Officer in Colorado, where marijuana was legalized in 2014, has some advice for Canada leading up to the legalization of marijuana on July 1.

Dr. Larry Wolk told Island Morning host Matt Rainnie Canadians have been interested in hearing his opinions on the subject since it was confirmed marijuana legalization was coming to Canada, and to hear what his state’s experience has been.

“The short answer is we haven’t seen much,” said Wolk.

“We haven’t experienced any significant issues as a result of legalization.”

One in four adults and one in five youth use marijuana on a somewhat regular basis,” said Wolk, and those numbers haven’t changed since legalization.

More hospital visits

Wolk noted marijuana has caused a few more visits to the ER, but most of those people are visitors, not residents. He credits an extensive education campaign with helping residents use marijuana safely.

On the subject of safety, Wolk cautioned against selling marijuana in liquor stores or bars.

“The co-use of marijuana and liquor is a bad idea,” he said.

“Marijuana in of itself — or the THC — and alcohol in of itself can cause impairment, and we know that those effects are not just additive but exponentially increased if somebody chooses to co-use both substances.” [Read more at CBC News]