Pubdate: Wed, 27 Dec 2000
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2000 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  2615 12 Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 7W9
Fax: (403) 250-4180
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Author: Bill Kaufmann

POT USE SKY-HIGH

AADAC Says More Teens Addicted To Marijuana Than Alcohol

For the first time, marijuana has replaced alcohol as the most abused drug 
among Calgary youths seeking help from the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse 
Commission.

Last autumn, AADAC spokeswoman Nancy Snowball said it became apparent 
marijuana-abusing clients were outnumbering those seeking help from the 
agency for their alcohol use.

"Pretty consistently, the biggest drug of choice has always been alcohol 
due to its social acceptability and legality," said Snowball. "It appears 
young people are now using marijuana more than alcohol ... marijuana has 
moved to the top of the list."

AADAC's clientele could reflect the larger drug abuse situation and, in 
fact, only tell part of the marijuana story, said Snowball.

"There's probably a whole bunch more people who are using but not 
experiencing the consequences of it yet (and don't report to AADAC)," she said.

Some substance abuse experts say a growing social tolerance for cannabis -- 
partly driven by the push to legalize its medicinal use -- as well as an 
abundant and high quality locally produced supply -- has bolstered the 
drug's popularity.

The young age of many marijuana users -- combined with the unprecedented 
potency the drug has attained -- makes the trend a significant concern, 
said Snowball.

"It's not the same stuff it used to be -- it's stronger, therefore the 
impact of it is much higher," she said, adding the drug can be 
psychologically addictive.

"The earlier the introduction, the greater the chance it'll turn into a 
problem."

AADAC is aware of youngsters 12 years of age who abuse marijuana "and there 
are younger people than that being introduced to it."

The RCMP says much of the locally grown cannabis attains a THC content of 
10-25% compared to about 6% two decades earlier.

Police are fighting an uphill battle against sophisticated grow operations 
that have proliferated throughout Calgary -- fuelled by the lucrative cash 
return on the harvest, said Snowball.
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