POT USE HITS NEW HIGH

Dopers Double in a Decade, Drinking on Rise

Despite a massive police crackdown on marijuana, the use of cannabis among
Canadians has doubled in the past decade, according to a new study. The
Canadian Addiction Survey, co-sponsored by Ottawa, indicates 14% of the
respondents in 2004 used marijuana in the past year compared to 7.4% in 1994.

That, despite a 400% climb in the amount of marijuana seized by police in
the past 10 years, according to RCMP, and an 80% increase in
cannabis-related arrests from 1992 to 2002.

While police interdiction is one useful tool in controlling marijuana use,
a spokesman for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) said
the overall war against the drug seems to be failing.

"It's had limited effect in view of the increase in use," said Ed Sawka.

"These drugs are available pretty much anywhere, it's mainstream ... It'd
be very difficult to stop completely."

The survey also shows 70% of those aged 18-24 in 2004 had tried marijuana
- -- double the figure 10 years ago.

Sawka said marijuana use among the younger population is a concern among
AADAC officials who treat abusers.

"But I wouldn't say with cannabis alone there's been a dramatic increase of
problem (use) among clients," said Sawka, adding many of those treated
abuse a cocktail of drugs.

Those with more education and higher incomes are also more likely to use
marijuana, states the survey -- data agencies fighting the drug may not
welcome, said Sawka.

"But it's one of the facts of life that not everybody who uses cannabis,
their life falls apart," he said.

Lost in the attention given marijuana, said Sawka, is the increase in
alcohol use, with 79% of Canadians now considering themselves drinkers
compared to 72% in 1994. About 10% of respondents said they drank heavily.

"The problem with alcohol is that it's so accepted, we minimize its
impact," he said.