ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CANNABIS HIGHLIGHTED IN COURT

The adverse effects of cannabis were highlighted On Wednesday when a
23-year-old man admitted that he was addicted in Wanganui District
Court.

Arron Michael Wood, unemployed, of Wanganui, was told by Judge Andrew
Becroft that his confession was not something often heard in court as
most users denied that cannabis was addictive.

"Your example reinforces everything that I see in Youth Court," Judge
Becroft said.

"I see young people whose short-term memories are gone, who are
addicted to cannabis, and whose lives are a mess because of it.

"You are a good case study for those who say cannabis is a social drug
that can be tolerated. The middle-aged may be able to tolerate a
cigarette occasionally but its use by young people can be
devastating."

Wood said he had used cannabis since he was 14 and that he found it
hard to stop.

Police found a sophisticated growing operation inside a hidden room in
Wood's house.

Wood admitted cultivating 21 plants for his own use and of possessing
drug instruments. Police found special lighting, timing devices and
other growing equipment inside the house.

Wood was sentenced to eight months' periodic detention and eight
months' supervision.