Pubdate: Wed, 03 Jun 2015
Source: Daily Press, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 Sun Media
Contact: http://www.timminspress.com/letters
Website: http://www.timminspress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1001
Author: Ron Grech
Page: A3

DRUG POTENCY, RISKS MUCH HIGHER TODAY

Parents who had only benign experiences with drugs in their youth may
have cloudy judgement when it comes to assessing the risks their own
children may be getting into, says Timmins Police Const. Matthew Beerman.

Beerman concedes many parents, who recall on their own youthful
experiences, may think it's no big deal if their kids experiment with
weed.

The problem with that logic is that there is no comparison, said
Beerman.

He said when you consider the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content of
today's marijuana, along with some of the processes kids are applying
to enhance its potency, it is just not the same substance.

"The THC content is much higher now and also kids are using new
processes to extract more and more THC out of the drug, making it more
concentrated," said Beerman.

However, the real growing problem is not marijuana, but
methamphetamine (speed) which Beerman said the kid's refer to as "poor
man's coke." He noted that speed is "highly addictive."

"The pills can be crushed and snorted instantly. at's how they usually
take it. You can get these pills at a party for $6 or $7 a piece, or
if you buy volume you can get them for $3 or $4 apiece. Most kids have
part-time jobs and they are able to a afford this drug.

"I think parents don't understand that these are things that kids are
being exposed to. And these are the things parents have to be aware of
because they need to talk to their kids about this and they need to
talk to them about the dangers."

Beerman is the chief organizer of the Straight Talk on Drugs session
for parents being held at the Porcupine Dante Club Tuesday, June 9.

He said the primary goal for the Straight Talk night is to educate
parents about drugs circulating in Timmins and equip them to discuss
these issues with their children and speak from a position of knowledge.

Straight Talk on Drugs session, which starts at 6 p.m., includes a
full bu et dinner. Both the admission and meal is free.

Beerman said several corporate sponsors were kind enough to come
forward and cover the costs.

While the event is free, tickets are required in order to confirm the
number of seats and ensure enough food is prepared.

Beerman said they have capacity for 300 people and about 200 of those
seats are already spoken for. Tickets can be acquired from any of the
junior high and high schools in Timmins. They are only available up
until this Friday.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt