OPTION FOR POT SMOKERS

A new program in schools gives pot smokers an option to being kicked
out of school.

The Adolescent Intervention for Marijuana Suspension program allows
kids caught smoking marijuana for the first time to fill out a
self-report questionnaire and go through one hour of counselling,
instead of being suspended.

Three months later, they have to do a follow up report.

The school board will hear about the program at its Wednesday board
meeting.

The idea behind the program is that suspending students doesn't deal
with their problem.

With the AIMS program, students get a chance to correct their ways
before they get a permanent RCMP record.

For a first offence, students are not reported to the RCMP. However,
after that, they can be charged.

As well, parents can get involved in the process by taking a
three-hour workshop.