CITY IN LINE FOR CANNABIS CLINIC

Dubbo could be considered as a location for a cannabis clinic aimed at
helping "the most serious users" quit the drug.

A clinic is already operating in Parramatta with others set to open on
the Central Coast, in southern Sydney and the central west.

A spokesman for special minister of state John Della Bosca told the
Daily Liberal Dubbo was "certainly" being considered for the central
west clinic.

"We would be looking at a number of factors including the area health
service, the ability to deliver services and the availability of
clinicians," the spokesman said.

"Another consideration would be the availability of counselling
services and at the moment Dubbo is one of the locations under
consideration."

The clinics are part of a $2.4 million program run by the State Government.

The announcement coincided with a series of posters depicting young
people and the effects of cannabis being displayed in the Dubbo cinema
during the school holidays.

Mr Della Bosca said the poster images were developed to highlight the
dangers of cannabis use.

"We need to reinforce the message that cannabis is not a healthy drug,
a drug without consequences," he said.

"Young people need to know there are risks associated with their actions."

The posters show young people at a party, playing sport or at the
school formal and highlight

the way marijuana can have a negative effect on relationships,
friendships, fitness and physical health.

The posters were first used during the summer holidays and after a
positive response from parents and teenagers, they are being re-run.

"Parents support the messages as an innovative way to gain young
people's attention to what is a difficult issue to convey," Mr Della
Bosca said.

"The messages are realistic - they make young people aware of and
recognise their own or their friends' problematic use.

"Like many drugs, both legal and illegal, cannabis can lead to serious
problems.

"These posters are a strong reminder of the effects of cannabis - it
is capable of causing significant health and social problems and we
need to get that message to young people."