The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) is an arms-length, national agency, established in 1988 by an Act of Parliament. Funded by Canada's Drug Strategy and through its own revenue-generating efforts, the Centre: promotes informed debate on substance abuse issues and encourages public participation in reducing the harm associated with drug abuse; disseminates information on the nature, extent and consequences of substance abuse ; and supports and assists organizations involved in substance abuse treatment, prevention and educational programming. The website includes links to substance abuse and EAP databases, and informational materials related to FAS/FAE, substance abuse in the workplace, and gambling.
Cannabis ~ Overview
Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Canada and worldwide. Cannabis refers to the preparations of the plant Cannabis sativa (Latin for "cultivated hemp"), which includes marijuana, hashish, and hash oil. It also includes THC, a synthetic preparation, which is the major psychoactive ingredient in the various preparations or forms of cannabis. Indications are that cannabis use in the general Canadian population rose during the 1990s; it is estimated that between 10% and 15% of the adult population has used cannabis in the past year, up from 7% in 1994. [read entire overview]
Recommended Readings
[PDF Format] Cannabis and driving FAQs ~
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, September, 2003
Frequently asked questions on the legal aspects of cannabis that address the issues of decriminalization and driving under the influence of cannabis as well as the incidence of road accidents in Canada.
[PDF Format] Cannabis FAQs ~
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, March, 2003 Frequently asked questions on cannabis provide current, objective information to guide the debate on the decriminalization of cannabis for personal, non-medical use in Canada.
Marijuana: is it safe? ~ Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, January, 2003 Article on the use of cannabis, the motivation to use cannabis, potential effects on health and performance, as well as prevention tips.
Active Living ~ Many Areas of Interest
GOING TO THE PETTING ZOO? WASH YOUR HANDS! Vancouver -The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), in partnership with the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health Authorities, is reminding the public to practice good hygiene when visiting petting zoos and agricultural fairs. A variety of germs, including E. coli O157:H7 can be spread from either animals or the surrounding environment to people via contaminated hands.
"E. coli O157:H7 can be particularly serious for young children and may lead to kidney failure," said Dr. Murray Fyfe, physician-epidemiologist with BCCDC. "Parents should ensure that all possible precautions are taken to prevent this serious infection."
Founded in 1949, the ARF is an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Health.
It operates a central research and treatment facility in Toronto and 12 community program offices in centres across the province. Since 1977, the ARF has been a collaborating centre of the World Health Organization, participating in international research and carrying out training programs in other countries. This website provides links to selected articles from The Journal, ARF's bi-monthly newspaper, and to research papers. (please read on)
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