According to the survey, 14 percent of respondents said they had used marijuana in the last year, an increase from 7.4 percent in 1994.

The study also found an increase in the number of Canadians using an injectable drug. The number rose from 132,000 in 1994 to 269,000 in the past year. Alcohol use also increased from 72.3 percent in 1994 to 79.3 percent this year.

"Certainly the Liberal drug strategy is failing," said Conservative justice critic Vic Toews. "I am concerned about the decriminalization of marijuana or any other drug. I am concerned that the government has not put forward a national strategy to deal with the whole issue of addictions."

But Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh dismissed Toews' contention that decriminalizing possession of small quantities of marijuana would increase use. "We have the current laws in place at this time, they haven't been changed and the rate is going up. I would focus on the drug strategy, which is the issue of education," he said.

Researchers who conducted the study recommended a broader understanding of drug misuse. Currently, Health Canada is working on a campaign aimed at discouraging youth from marijuana and alcohol use.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

SUBMIT A COMMENT:

Note: Comments are now held for moderator approval. More info

Name:
Comment: (limit 250 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
Please keep comments on-topic, courteous, clean, non-commercial, and within the word limit.
Read the complete guidelines