MORE YOUTH DRIVING AFTER SMOKING POT

OTTAWA -- Driving under the influence of marijuana and hashish has
more than doubled since 1989.

A survey by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse says young males
are driving under the influence of cannabis as often as, or more
often, than they drive under the influence of alcohol.

The survey results come after the federal government tabled
legislation to crack down on drug-impaired drivers with heavier fines
and jail terms.

While also making it harder to challenge breathalyzer tests in court,
the main focus of the plan are those who get behind the wheel while
high on marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine or a variety of other drugs.

Of 4,639 Canadians questioned for the 2004 Canadian Addiction Survey,
4.8 per cent reported driving in the previous year within two hours of
using cannabis, more than twice the proportion found by comparable
studies conducted in 1988 and 1989.

Researchers said it is not clear what impact the figures are having on
crash-related death and injury.

"Studies have shown mixed results," said Rita Notarandrea, the
centre's research and policy director.

The report also cites other research suggesting young cannabis users
may perceive their driving abilities to be not adversely affected
after using cannabis, or at least less affected than after consuming
alcohol.

Many young people also believe that it is difficult for police to
detect and charge drivers for driving after cannabis use, it said.

"The data are telling us that youth, particularly young males, are a
high-risk group and that many of these young drivers may have a false
sense of security about driving under the influence of cannabis," said
Notarandrea.