CANNABIS USE RATES HIGHLY

Cannabis use in Australia is among the highest in the world, a United
Nations drugs agency report says.

The use of amphetamine derivatives, such as ecstasy, was also spreading
among young people in Australia, the International Narcotics Control Board
report for 1997, released yesterday, said.

"In Australia, cannabis abuse is among the highest in the world, while the
abuse of amphetamine derivatives, such as ecstasy, is spreading fast among
young people," it said.

"Substantial amounts of ecstasy and other hallucinogens, including LSD, are
being smuggled into Australia, mainly from European countries."

It was concerned about the continuing discussion about the legalisation of
cannabis and the amount of heroin being smuggled into Australia from
South-East Asia and called for improved monitoring of chemicals from lawful
sources being used to make illicit amphetamines.