Irish teens top cannabis users list

IRISH teenagers are the biggest users of cannabis in Europe, a study
revealed yesterday amid warnings that many are turning to synthetic drugs
as part of a mass youth culture.

Nearly two in five (37pc) of 16yearolds admit using cannabis the highest
figure in the 15 EU states. Two thirds of Irish addicts are under 25,
mostly male, and taking heavy drugs by injection. Ireland also has the
youngest addicts receiving treatment.

The study, from the annual report of the EU's drug monitoring service, says
youngsters here are increasingly choosing drugs as part of their lifestyle.
The Lisbonbased group has also recorded a rise in drug seizures here.

It warns in many EU states young people were turning to "synthetic drugs"
such as ecstasy, LSD and amphetamines.

"The users are not from a marginalised or disadvantaged backgrounds, but
are for the most part young workers or students and relatively well off,"
it says.

Cannabis was the most popular drug across the EU with consumption varying
from 5pc to 30pc. But it was noted the drug was used only occasionally or
intermittently and was rarely seen as the main cause of health or social
problems. In most countries amphetamines were the second most popular drug.
Otherwise heroin remains the worst problem.

The EUfunded Youthreach programme in Ireland was singled out for special
praise. This targets 15 to 18yearolds who leave school without
qualifications with about one third of this agegroup having been involved
in substance use or crime.