TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN COCAINE USE IN CANADA

Cocaine use began in Canada in the early 1970s. Cocaine users now repr esent about 20% of drug users in treatment and large numbers have been recently convicted for cocaine-related offenses. In general, cocaine use is now at a relatively low level in Canada, but there is a substan tial cocaine and crack use problem. Rates of use are highest among stu dents, young males and those in large cities. Use is declining among s tudents and adults. Continued monitoring is essential.