Pubdate: Fri, 09 May 2014 Source: Metro (Edmonton, CN AB) Copyright: 2014 Metro Canada Contact: http://www.metronews.ca/Edmonton Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4475 Author: Leah Germain COPS CRACK DOWN ON STUDENTS WHO MIX WEED, E-CIGS No odour. Marijuana oil used is more potent than regular joint Liquid marijuana has found its way onto Edmonton school grounds as police are noticing an emerging trend of students toking up in electronic cigarettes. The Edmonton Police Service was first notified of the problem two weeks ago and since that time, school resource officers have reported five incidents of local high school students using e-cigarettes to smoke marijuana. While no charges have been laid in any of the incidents, Sgt. Kelly Rosnau said officers are now going to be closely monitoring for drug abuse with the pseudo-smokes. "Our eyes are open, we are more aware of (this issue)," Rosnau said Thursday. "It's prevalent, it's everywhere. Kids are jumping on this very quickly." By using e-cigarettes to smoke marijuana oil, users are able to mask the smell and odour of the drug. Rosnau said one of the top concerns for the use of marijuana oil is its high THC potency - as 90 per cent - compared to a regular marijuana cigarette, which is around 10 to 20 percent THC levels. With little odour, marijuana oil can be masked with different flavours by using an e-cigarette, adding to the appeal for youth, said ALERT officer Pierre Blais. "A target group for this type of drug use is the youth," said Blais. "It's very appealing to youth. It's cool, it masks the smell with cherry, bubblegum." Both school boards have prohibited e-cigs on school grounds in order to help curb the use of marijuana. "We need to support our police partners in this activity," said Carol Symons, spokesperson from the Edmonton Public School Board. "We're aware of the presence of e-cigarettes. We're trying to move swiftly and make a good example for our community." Another concern with marijuana oil is the way it's produced, which requires large amounts of butane and can cause explosions. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt