As many as of 37 percent of 15- to 24-year-olds have tried marijuana, which is 11 percent more than the European average, a recent study conducted by the Saar Poll survey company revealed.
Young people can easily acquire marijuana (also known as cannabis), said Nelli Kalikova, project manager at the Aids Information and Support Center. "It's about the same as buying ice cream," she added.

According to Kalikova, the biggest problem is that young people see no harm in smoking marijuana and do not even consider it a narcotic.
There are also some who prefer marijuana to alcohol, as it affects the senses more mildly, she explained.
The notion that people who smoke marijuana will start consuming heavier drugs in the future is wrong, Kalikova said, adding that nevertheless around 99 percent of the drug addicts registered at the support center started off with marijuana.
ERR