Pubdate: Thu, 25 Nov 2004
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Bill Kaufmann, Calgary Sun
Cited: Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse survey http://www.ccsa.ca/
Cited: Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission http://www.aadac.com/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

POT USE HITS NEW HIGH

Dopers Double in a Decade, Drinking on Rise

Despite a massive police crackdown on marijuana, the use of cannabis among 
Canadians has doubled in the past decade, according to a new study. The 
Canadian Addiction Survey, co-sponsored by Ottawa, indicates 14% of the 
respondents in 2004 used marijuana in the past year compared to 7.4% in 1994.

That, despite a 400% climb in the amount of marijuana seized by police in 
the past 10 years, according to RCMP, and an 80% increase in 
cannabis-related arrests from 1992 to 2002.

While police interdiction is one useful tool in controlling marijuana use, 
a spokesman for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) said 
the overall war against the drug seems to be failing.

"It's had limited effect in view of the increase in use," said Ed Sawka.

"These drugs are available pretty much anywhere, it's mainstream ... It'd 
be very difficult to stop completely."

The survey also shows 70% of those aged 18-24 in 2004 had tried marijuana 
- -- double the figure 10 years ago.

Sawka said marijuana use among the younger population is a concern among 
AADAC officials who treat abusers.

"But I wouldn't say with cannabis alone there's been a dramatic increase of 
problem (use) among clients," said Sawka, adding many of those treated 
abuse a cocktail of drugs.

Those with more education and higher incomes are also more likely to use 
marijuana, states the survey -- data agencies fighting the drug may not 
welcome, said Sawka.

"But it's one of the facts of life that not everybody who uses cannabis, 
their life falls apart," he said.

Lost in the attention given marijuana, said Sawka, is the increase in 
alcohol use, with 79% of Canadians now considering themselves drinkers 
compared to 72% in 1994. About 10% of respondents said they drank heavily.

"The problem with alcohol is that it's so accepted, we minimize its 
impact," he said. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake