TREASURER Peter Costello will unveil new measures to combat
cannabis use on Tuesday night.

Reflecting the Government's growing unease at the impact of marijuana
smoking on the health budget, Mr Costello's Budget will commit $20
million to establishing a National Cannabis Control and Prevention
Centre.

The centre will train specialist educators to warn about cannabis
abuse. It will be used to establish a national database on the problem
and also fund border patrols and prosecutions.

The Howard Government's so-called "tough on drugs" strategy has
concentrated mainly on hard drugs, such as heroin and
amphetamines.

But there is a growing awareness that cannabis, particularly
high-strength hydroponically-grown crops, can contribute to mental
illnesses such as schizophrenia.