YOUTH TARGETED IN FIGHT AGAINST MARIJUANA USE

Young people in Dubbo have been targeted in a campaign to address the use
of cannabis in the central west.

Thought-provoking images and messages highlighting the problems associated
with cannabis will be displayed in bathroom advertising in cinemas and
shopping centres which draw thousands of young people at this time of year.

NSW special minister of state John Della Bosca yesterday announced the move
as the first in a series of initiatives to dissuade young people from using
the drug.

"Engaging images of young people at a party, playing sport and at the
school formal show the ways that cannabis can impact on relationships,
friendships, fitness and physical health," Mr Della Bosca said.

"The messages use young people's stories, in their own language and
reflecting their own experiences, to raise awareness about cannabis use and
encourage young people to discuss social and other effects of the drug.

Mr Della Bosca said many young people mistakenly viewed cannabis as a
healthy drug without consequences.

"They need to know that's not the case and there are risks associated with
their actions," he said.

Member of the Government's Expert Advisory Group on Drugs Jonathan Nicholas
says the great thing about the campaign is that it delivers realistic
messages to young people on their level.

"It doesn't talk down to them and deals with the issue of cannabis use in a
constructive way," he said.

"The campaign talks openly and directly. It doesn't shy away from letting
young people know about possible consequences, particularly social effects
which are not often talked about."

The NSW Government initiative has been developed in response to significant
research into the use and effects of the drug.

The research showed more than a third of 14- to 19-year-olds had used
cannabis, which causes adverse health and psychological effects coupled
with social ineptness, impaired driving and relationship difficulties.