Drug Education

A drug is anything ingested or absorbed, other than food, which affects the way a person's body or mind functions.

There are three main categories of drugs:

1. Stimulants, which excite or speed up functions of the central nervous system (e.g., caffeine, cocaine, and ecstasy).
2. Depressants, which slow down functions of the central nervous system (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, prescription pills).
3. Hallucinogens, which affect the senses and changes awareness and perception (e.g., LSD, ecstasy, marijuana, salvia).

• Drug paraphernalia (bongs, rolling papers etc.).
• Acts secretive and isn't co-operative.
• Changes in behaviour or personality.
• Changes in appearance.
• Dry mouth.
• Depression.
• Enlarged pupils.
• Bloodshot eyes.

Drug paraphernalia is the equipment or tools someone may have in order to create, sell or use drugs.

Paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to:

• Syringes.
• Lighters/matches.
• Aluminum foil.
• Burnt and bent metal spoons.
• Pipes and bongs.
• Glow sticks.
• Lollypops.
• Rolling paper/cut straws.
• Food grinder.

Marijuana grow activities occur when this drug is illegally grown for the purpose of selling and distributing. These operations can take place in houses, apartments and empty factories. The activities make money for criminal organizations and individuals. They can also result in house fires and electrical dangers.

Signs of a marijuana grow operation:

• Smell of marijuana (sweet, strong odour).
• Large purchases of fertilizer, garden hoses, plastic pipes, several sized pots (used for indoor growing).
• Rarely seeing people at home.
• The houses' lights are set on timers and turn on and off at the same time every day.
• Windows are covered up, especially in the basement.
• Changes to the electrical meter or wires outside the home.
• Messy lawn and house.

If you believe an indoor grow operation exists in your community, contact our non-emergency line or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger call 9-1-1.

Selling Illegal Substances

According to the CDSA you can't sell or have illegal substances for the purpose of selling.

Punishment

You could be found: Guilty of an indictable offence, with the sentence depending on the amount of drugs you had.

You may also be sentenced to imprisonment for a minimum of:

• One year, if you commit the offence for criminal organizations, used/threatened to use violence, carried/used/threatened to use a weapon, or have a previous drug related conviction.
• Two years, if the offence is committed in or within the area of a school or place that minors normally visit, or if a minor was involved in committing the crime.

• Region of Peel – Advise for Parents – provides free interactive lessons that help parents talk to children about drugs and alcohol.
• Tobacco-Free Kids –promotes proven solutions that reduce tobacco use.
• KidsHealth – educates children about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol.

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – offers clinical care, research and education for those with mental health and/or addiction issues.
• YMCA Youth Substance Abuse Program – free and confidential support for youth with substance abuse issues.
• Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre – free services and support for people living with drug misuse and abuse.
• Punjabi Community Health Services – offers health, settlement and social services for the diverse communities within the Peel Region.
• William Osler Health System – provides hospital services for the residents of Brampton, Etobicoke and surrounding areas.
• Peel HIV/AIDS Network – offers programs, education, social and support services for people living with HIV, their partners and families.