CANNABIS REMAINS THE MOST POPULAR ILLEGAL DRUG IN GUERNSEY

Nearly three-quarters of local drug users begin between the ages of 10
and 15, while 91% took cannabis as their first drug.

The statistics from Drug Strategy's database have helped focus
education on the subject. 'Unfortunately, the database found that most
people started between 13 and 15, so we felt it was quite important to
do things focused on that age group,' said co-ordinator Maria Eggleston.

'It's also important to inform parents, carers and adults to keep them
up to date as well.' Cannabis has been the focus of Drug Awareness
Week, with a range of activities and leaflets.

'It remains the most popular drug of choice. The thing that interested
me is that 63% of people on the database who use cannabis use it every
day and generally you'd say doing anything on a daily basis is not a
good idea.' She added that although such a high percentage took
cannabis as their first drug, it was not necessarily a gateway.

'The drugs database has been going for three years. Looking at the
long-term trends, we're finding there's been a slight increase in
cannabis use, but it could be more people are reporting.

'We need to run for four years or more to get baseline data, but we're
currently seeing it's the most widely-used illegal drug in the
island.' She added that it was important to change the perceptions of
young people because many thought it was safe if used properly.

'What is proper use? The thing is, smoking anything causes health
problems, and if you eat it, it's uncontrollable.' Drug Concern
project manager Tracey Rear said the statistics helped inform it of
where to pitch drug education.

'Cannabis statistics at Drug Concern have seen a slight increase
mid-year, although these are not age-definable yet,' she said. 'There
is probably confusion about its legal status, which the drug education
programme from Drug Concern clarifies and I'm sure Drug Awareness Week
will also.' She added that the main message to get across was that
cannabis was still an illegal drug and possession and supply still
have consequences regardless of people's personal opinions.

'The figures are surprising. It would be good to see the actual number
instead of percentages to see what number we are looking at. 'We do
have contact with 15-year-olds upwards, however our core age group at
present falls within the 21 to 31 range.'