CANNABIS CAUSES IMPOTENCY, DOCTORS WARN

Doctors have warned that cannabis is causing impotence among young
people who have been smoking the drug for several years.

Young men with a history of heavy cannabis abuse are more likely to
experience sexual dysfunction, according to a report in the Daily Mail today.

The number of young men with lifelong impotency seeking their GP's
advice has risen, with doctors claiming most are habitual users.

Ian Russell, a specialist nurse practitioner in andrology and urology
at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary in Scotland, told the
newspaper: "In my clinic I see youngsters from the age of 17 onwards
with sexual dysfunction.

"The age of onset of smoking cannabis is young, ten-year-olds in some areas.

"Puberty's kicking in and they're smoking regularly - five, six joints a week.

"This can potentially suppress and traumatise the formation of leydig
cells, which secrete testosterone, in the testes.

"It means these kids, when they hit 14 or 15, will have sexual
problems; for instance, not being able to get an erection, and
possibly not have any sexual desire and a very, very low testosterone level.

"This is not healthy, let's put it that way."

The news came as Gordon Brown decided to defy the Advisory Council on
the Misuse of Drugs which claims in an official report that cannabis
should remain classified as a "soft" drug.

Whitehall sources believe Mr Brown is now almost certain to over-rule
the experts whose review recommends that cannabis should keep its
Class C classification.