CANNABIS: TEENAGER'S DRUG OF CHOICE

The British like their cannabis more than most. About 13% of people under
40 used the drug in the past year, according to a recent study, a higher
level than any other country in the EU. The levels of experimentation are
also high: among British people under 40 nearly 30% have tried cannabis at
one time or another, and the level is even higher among teenagers. 37% of
them have tried the drug at least once.

It is regarded as the drug of choice by many school-age youngsters, easily
surpassing the use of amphetamines, ecstasy and other drugs. But Britain
also has considerably higher levels of experimentation with 'dance-drugs',
such as amphetamines, than all other European countries. Figures from a
European Union study published two months ago also show that 12% of British
15 and 16-year-olds have tried the hallucinogenic LSD compared with 4.5% in
Spain, the country with the next highest level.

The mind altering ingredient in cannabis acts as a depressant and
hallucinogenic, which takes effect within seven seconds and promotes a
feeling of relaxation and wellbeing. However, long-term cannabis smoking
can increase the risk of bronchitis and lung cancer. There is also some
evidence that cannabis causes certain specific cancers in its own right,
particularly in the head and neck region.

The efficacy of the drug for pain relief is disputed but campaigners have
sought for it to be prescribed for sufferers of multiple sclerosis. Jack
Straw emphasised yesterday that he saw cannabis as a 'narcotic and
dangerous'. But he said: "There is no reason at all why cannabis should not
be available for medicinal purposes if people can prove it has a
therapeutic effect. Heroin is available and it is more dangerous."

Doctors cannot prescribe cannabis but Straw suggested that they and
pharmaceutical companies could apply to the health department and Home
Office for licences to research medicinal uses of cannabis.

Jonathon Carr-Brown