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10 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012 What about Weed? Halton Cannabis Strategy group launches new website The Halton Cannabis Awareness Strategy group launched a new website on May 1, to help parents find research-based information, dispel myths and foster dialogue with teens about cannabis use. If you are concerned about your teen and their A BLUEGRASS BEAT: Members of the Bluegrass Gospel band, General Store delighted a large audience possible use of cannabis on Sunday at Churchill Community Church. The bluegrass performance followed a lunch time barbeque. products such as mari ­ Traci Gardner photo juana, hashish and hashish oil, or are not sure how to get the dialogue going with them about it, or are even confused about what is fact and what is myth, then www.whatabout weed.org will be a great resource for you. The aim of the website is to: · assist parents in initiating a dialogue about cannabis use with their teen(s) · dispel many of the myths regarding the use of cannabis · identify the risks associated with using the drug · present evidence and scientific research based facts about the effects of cannabis The website features several interactive ac tivities and topics and includes sections on how to begin the dialogue about cannabis use with teens, called "Let's Talk" and "Join in the Talk". One of the highlights of the website is an interactive quiz called, "What About Weed?" The quiz is designed to be completed by parents with their teen(s) and focuses on the potential impact of cannabis, especially marijuana, on their lives. The site also presents and dispels a number of "Marijuana Myths", discusses legal and criminal issues associated with cannabis use as well as its negative impacts on both physical and men tal health. In addition, there is a section discussing where parents and youth can "Get Help" in Halton, as well as valu able links to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Halton flowershed@hotmail.com Regional Police Service and Halton Alcohol, Drug, 519-853-4831 and Gambling Prevention www.flowershed.ca and Treatment Services flowershed@hotmail.com (ADAPT). The launch of the website is the first 12336 Nass-Esq. Townline RR1 Acton ON step of several upcoming initiatives planned by the Cannabis Awareness Strategy group. Feedback from parents on the site itself is welcomed. "Many key Halton community organizations are working together with parents and youth partners to address the risks associated with marijuana use by teens in Halton," said Halton Regional Chair, Gary Carr. "This new website is a great tool for parents to find the resources they need." "Through programs like DARE and Motiv8, the Halton Regional Police Service educates youth about the risks and dangers of drug use," said Chief of Police Gary Crowell. "The addition of community resources such as this website from the Halton Cannabis Awareness Strategy Group are an excellent way to help continue that dialogue between parents and teens in the home, where it matters most." The Halton Canna bis Awareness Strategy group began collaborating in September, 2010 after a request for action from Halton Regional Council to develop a wide-scale program to discourage cannabis use among youth. As partner agencies with an interest in youth health and wellbeing, the overall focus of the group, besides cannabis awareness, is to provide parents and teens with research-based messages that reflect the "four pillars approach" to substance use, which includes prevention, harm reduc tion, enforcement and treatment. Partner Agencies in clude ADAPT (Halton Alcohol, Drug, Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment Servi ces), DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Halton Halton Catholic District School Board, Halton District School Board, Halton Region Health Department, Halton Regional Police Service, John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area, POSSE (Peer Outreach Support Services and Education) and Oakville, Youth Services Department. Mother's Day Gift Certificates & fresh bouquets available!