Cannabis Teens' Drug Of Choice

ABOUT 13 per cent of 12-year-olds have used cannabis and 3 per cent have tried hallucinogenic substances, according to the most comprehensive study of drug use in Australia.

Cannabis is the drug of choice for schoolchildren - 55 per cent of 17-year-olds had tried it, and 16 per cent used it weekly.

At the same age, 14 per cent had tried hallucinogens, the study found.

Nearly 10 per cent had experimented with amphetamines and 20 per cent had some experiences with tranquillisers.

About 4 per cent reported the use of opiates - including heroin - cocaine and ecstasy.

The study, overseen by health departments and cancer organisations, was compiled from interviews with 29,700 students aged between 12 and 17 years.