RADIO ADS TO WARN ON CANNABIS USE

A series of radio advertisements would warn teenagers of the negative
effects of using cannabis, the NSW government said.

Special Minister of State John Della Bosca has launched the "bold" second
phase of the state government's youth anti-cannabis initiative.

This stage follows the "loser" poster series which hit cinemas and the
streets during the summer school holidays.

Mr Della Bosca said the radio ads were "unashamedly targeted at young people".

"Cannabis is not harmless," Mr Della Bosca said in a statement.

"It is capable of causing significant health and social problems and we
need to get that message to young people as early as possible."

Mr Della Bosca said the ads would take a teenage perspective on the broad
consequences of cannabis use.

"The series features a character called Johnny, whose relationships -
family life, work and health - suffer as a result of his cannabis use," he
said.

"By using young actors, young language and realistic situations, there's no
lecturing tone."

The initiative's third phase would be launched shortly with all three
stages costing $545,000, Mr Della Bosca said.