FAMILIES GIVE DOPE TO 10-YEAR-OLDS, SURVEY FINDS

Children as young as 10 are smoking dope - and in some cases their
families are giving it to them, a new survey on cannabis use in Kapiti
and Wairarapa says.

It also says one in five 16-year-olds consider themselves regular
cannabis users.

The Regional Public Health survey, released today, found that some
Kapiti school students headed home to smoke joints during their lunch
breaks.

Nearly 4000 questionnaires were completed by students aged 13 to 17 in
the survey, which was carried out last year. It is the first extensive
survey on cannabis use in New Zealand schools.

Medical Officer of Health Stephen Palmer applauded the involvement of
Kapiti and Wairarapa schools in the survey, saying other schools in the
region refused to participate.

The survey found that 30 per cent of students in Wairarapa and 36 per
cent of Kapiti students had tried cannabis. In Wairarapa, 11 per cent
of respondents considered themselves current users. That rose to 13 per
cent in Kapiti.

Some Kapiti students smoked cannabis at school and dealing could occur
in schools, the survey said.

"Some students are dealing for other family members. It is widely known
that students often go home at lunch break for the purpose of smoking
the drug."

Older students, particularly those aged 16, were more likely to buy
cannabis from dealers. Younger students got it from friends or other
family members. A small proportion of younger and older students grew
their own supply.

Those brought up in cannabis households were deemed to be at greatest
risk of developing an addiction: "Those who are getting it from their
parents are starting as young as 10 and 11 years of age."

Researchers consulted Kapiti and Wairarapa community groups and schools
about cannabis use and what was needed to reduce the problem. Many
advocated educating intermediate school students about the health risks
of cannabis rather than focusing on it being illegal.

Dr Palmer said it was alarming to find that 19 per cent of 16-year-olds
were cannabis users and 50 per cent had tried it. He said 16-year-olds
were at a critical life stage and cannabis use had a long-term impact
on judgment and cognitive thinking.

However, he said the fact that 70 per cent of students did not smoke
dope should be celebrated.

The survey results would be used to lobby the Health Funding Authority
for money to run education and health campaigns on cannabis' health
effects for intermediate-age students.

Students said their main reasons for smoking dope were to be "stoned".
Some said they just wanted to see what it was like. Those who didn't
use said it was because of the health risks.