B.C. RESIDENTS SMOKE MOST POT IN CANADA, REPORT SAYS

Daily Marijuana Use Outstripping Tobacco, UVic Research
Indicates

VICTORIA -- People in B.C. smoke more marijuana than people in any
other province in Canada, according to a study released Wednesday.

"There is more occasional and low-risk cannabis use, more tolerant
attitudes, and greater availability in B.C. than in the rest of
Canada," says the study for Addictions Research of B.C. based at the
University of Victoria.

"In B.C., cannabis, like alcohol, is now regarded as a 'normal'
recreational drug."

In fact, daily use among young people in B.C. is outstripping tobacco.
And a majority in B.C. want cannabis decriminalized, says the study.

The study cites estimates that put the value of the cannabis industry
in B.C. at as much as $3.64 billion a year.

The study, based on a 2004 Canadian Addiction Survey, said more
British Columbians report having used cannabis (53 per cent), than
other Canadians (44).

British Columbians also report it is easy to find -- 65 per cent,
versus only 44 in Canada.