Signs Your Teens are Using Marijuana

By Katherine Willows

(NC)—Marijuana, pot, grass, weed, dope, smoke. Whatever you call it, it's the most commonly used illegal substance in Canada. Unfortunately, it is also popular among a large number of youth. For many of them, smoking marijuana is as socially acceptable as tobacco or alcohol.

Marijuana smoke contains more than 400 chemicals, including some of the same cancer-causing substances found in tobacco smoke, yet many Canadians are unaware of the long and short-term effects of smoking marijuana.

Recent surveys suggest that marijuana use among kids is on the rise in Canada and many parents have no idea their kids are even using the illegal substance.

Here are some things to look for if you think your son or daughter may be using marijuana:

• You can smell marijuana on their clothes or in their hair

• Their eyes are red or glazed over

• Their pupils are dilated

• Their grades are going down at school

• They display secretive behaviour

• They have a different group of friends

A recent survey showed 87 per cent of young people said they would trust their parents for information on marijuana. If you need help finding the words to talk to your kids about the effects of marijuana, go to www.drugwise.gc.ca to read a new guide for parents called "Straight Talk About Marijuana." It has all the latest research, health risks, quizzes, photos and if you order a hard copy by phone, you can even Rub'n Sniff to see what marijuana actually smells like. Call 1-800-O-Canada to order a copy in the language of your choice.

- News Canada