"IT'S NOT 'JUST' MARIJUANA", SAYS HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

In the past 20 years marijuana growing has undergone a level of
sophistication that would make your head spin - especially if you smoked a
hydroponically grown joint.

"It's not 'just' marijuana" is one of the messages that the Halton Regional
Health Department is emphasizing during Drug Awareness Week, which began
Sunday and ends tomorrow.

There are many risks associated with using this drug, such as reduced
short-term learning, reduced motor control and potential lung damage,
according to the Health Deptartment.

Other risks are related to the increased THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and
possible chemical residue.

Marijuana is the second most commonly used drug, after alcohol, in Ontario
students in grade 7 to OAC.

According to the Ontario Drug Use Survey 2001, almost 30% reported using
marijuana at least once in the previous 12 months.

Of the users about 21% reported using it 40 or more times in the last 12
months.

About 9% of the users reported smoking it daily in the last past 4 weeks.

According to the Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment 2002, marijuana is
identified as the number one drug by individuals seeking treatment for drug
problems in Ontario.

Marijuana is also much stronger than 20 years ago.

Growers today are able to concentrate the active ingredient THC.

They also use pesticides and growth hormones.

Young people may think they know everything about marijuana, but often make
decisions based on misinformation, says the Health Department.

Parents have a big role to play with regard to modeling low risk behavior
and talking to their kids about drugs, it says. Kids need to hear how risky
marijuana can be.

For more information about talking to your kids about drug use, call the
Halton Regional Health Department at (905) - 825 6060, ext. 7835