Pubdate: Fri, 30 Oct 2015
Source: Metro (Winnipeg, CN MB)
Copyright: 2015 Free Daily News Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/winnipeg
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5322
Author: Danelle Cloutier
Page: 3

YOUTH OPEN UP ON POT SMOKING HABITS

The goal of the study is to curb marijuana use

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse took to Winnipeg streets this 
week to find out what teens think about pot.

The organization held focus groups with participants ages 14 to 19 on 
Wednesday and Thursday at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.

The participants were asked why youth choose to use or not use the 
drug, how it changes a person and how marijuana use among youth can 
be prevented. They weren't asked about their specific experiences 
with pot and didn't have to answer any questions that made them 
uncomfortable, said organizers.

In order to be considered for the study though, teens had to and fill 
out a short private online survey and disclose whether they have used 
marijuana or not. Kids under age 16 also had to get parental consent.

One teen, who asked not to be identified, said his peers don't think 
there's anything wrong with pot.

"Most guys I know, they think its fine," said the 16-year-old. "I 
think it's fine, I think it's better to smoke up than get drunk or 
(use) smokes."

However, the CCSA said they believe the drug may harm development in 
adolescents. The organization also says that chronic use is 
associated with thinking difficulties and could increase the risk of 
mental health issues.

The study in Winnipeg is part of a cross-Canada study with the goal 
of developing initiatives to stop young Canadians from using the drug.

The results of this study will be used in the coming months to update 
the 2013 report, "What Canadian Youth Think about Cannabis."

CCSA is also conduction a five-part marijuana research series called 
Clearing the Smoke on Cannabis to study the cognitive effects of the 
drug on mental health, breathing, pregnancy and driving.

A few pot facts:

. Canadian youth are the top pot smokers in the developed world, 
according to a 2013 UNICEF Office of Research report.

. In 2013, 48 per cent of Canadians aged 15 to 24 used cannabis in 
the past year compared to 8 per cent of adults aged 25 and older, 
according to Statistics Canada's most recent Canadian Tobacco, 
Alcohol and Drug Survey.

. In 2013, 11 per cent of Canadians aged 15 and older used marijuana 
in the past year, which was unchanged from the 2012 statistic, 
according to Statistics Canada's most recent Canadian Tobacco, 
Alcohol and Drug Survey.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom