As far as illegal drugs go, cannabis doesn't carry the same stigma as the others. In fact, its casual use for many has sparked calls for legalization.
However, as we reported yesterday, stronger drugs and new evidence is making some experts apeak out against the dangers of marijuana to young, developing brains.
Sgt. Pat Poitevan of the RCMP said people smoke marijuana in public with little fear, just like drinking alcohol.
"There's a normalization of drug culture about marijuana . . . where people think it's not that bad," he said.
Adam Smolcic, owner of the Marijuana Awareness Initiative, said he's convinced smoking pot is safe.
"I believe right now marijuana should be legalized," he said. "There are many more harmful substances out there . . . kids have pill popping parties from their parents' prescriptions."
Addiction psychiatrist Dr. Robert Milin said there's a difference between cannabis and alcohol.
"What is interesting is marijuana is linked to psychosis in studies - alcohol is not," he said, speaking of today's marijuana with much higher levels of THC. "There is preliminary evidence to suggest the increased strength of the marijuana has an effect on the increased risk of first episode psychosis."
Bill McPhee, publisher of Schizophrenia Digest, said he has a prediction for if marijuana is legalized.
"If they legalize pot . . . I'm sure there would be a spike in mental illnesses and psychosis," he said. "I can't tell you the number of parents and individuals I have talked to who have started off with street drugs that ended in psychosis . . . which was a triggering point of a mental illness."
Teachers and hospitals said they're looking to educate youth about the mental health risks of the drug.
"It's part of my job in teaching about mental health to inform kids about it," said teacher Kelly Goto, who invited a speaker from the Royal Ottawa Mental health Centre to talk to her class.
"I never did drugs as part of my experience, but I do know it's a big factor in making people ill," said Trevor Anzai, who has been treated for a mental illness. "It's beneficial to have these lectures to inform students about the choices they make in the future."
Back on the streets, youth were split on whether they'd change their attitude towards cannabis if it could lead to an increased risk of a mental illness.
"It is a scary disease, mental illness," said one named Zack. "I don't think It will change my behaviour."
"It gets me to want to influence my friends to stay away from it, because I don't want it to happen to my close friends," said one named Ravital.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Carol Anne Meehan
