Doctors should be more straightforward in warning young people about the dangers of drugs, including marijuana, says Canadian Health Minister Tony Clement.

The CanWest News Service reported Aug. 21 that Clement, a member of Canada's new conservative government, made his remarks at the annual meeting of the Canadian Medical Association.

"The messages young people have received during the past several years have been confusing and conflicting to say the least," he said. "We are very concerned about the damage and pain that drugs cause families and we intend to reverse the trend toward vague, ambiguous messaging that has characterized Canadian attitudes in the recent past."

Clement said the government's forthcoming anti-drug campaign "will discourage young people from thinking there are safe amounts or safe drugs." Echoing a theme from U.S. drug policy, he told doctors that today's marijuana is stronger than the pot some in the audience may have smoked during their own youth.