Pubdate: Thu, 25 Nov 2004 Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN) Copyright: 2004 The Leader-Post Ltd. Contact: http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361 Author: Anne Kyle, The Leader-Post Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) POT USE IN SASK. BELOW NATIONAL AVERAGE Marijuana use in Saskatchewan remains below the national rate, however usage in Canada is on the rise and has nearly doubled in the past decade, according to a major survey on alcohol and drug use released Wednesday. The Canadian Addiction Survey reported that 14 per cent of respondents had used marijuana in the past year, nearly double the 7.4 per cent rate reported in 1994. A provincial breakdown revealed 11.4 per cent of Saskatchewan residents 15 years and older used marijuana in the past year, and 41 per cent had tried the illicit drug at least once in their lifetime. The survey also noted that 2.8 per cent of Saskatchewan residents have tried other mood altering illicit drugs in the past year. "The rise in cannabis use, especially among young Canadians, is of concern because we know that cannabis is not a benign substance. There are a number of health risks associated with use and these risks increase with a lower age of initiation and more frequent use," said Michel Perron, chief executive office with the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA). Reported youth rates nationally show almost 30 per cent of 15 to 17 year olds and just over 47 per cent of 18 and 19 year olds have used marijuana in the past year. No one from the provincial Health Department was available Wednesday to discuss the survey findings. The survey reveals that 79 per cent of Canadians aged 15 and older drink, but drink in moderation and without harm. In Saskatchewan 78 per cent of residents drink, slightly below the national average, but a greater percentage say that their drinking and drug use in the past year has affected their health, personal relationships, work and home life. According to the World Health Organization's Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), 17 per cent of past-year drinkers are considered high-risk drinkers. High-risk drinkers are predominantly males and those under the age of 25. "The increase in heavy drinking by young Canadians is of concern and awareness and prevention campaigns should be increasingly targeted at these groups," said John Borody, president of the Canadian Executive Council on Addictions (CECA). A total of 13,909 Canadians, with a minimum of 1,000 in each province, participated in the survey sponsored by Health Canada, the CECA and CCSA. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek