CANNABIS AND SUICIDE

The article on the relationship between cannabis use and youth suicide
(Dominion Post 08/03/03) was thought provoking. However, more focus should
have been placed on how the illegality of cannabis undermines health and
education services and further isolates young cannabis users from their
families and communities.

The prohibition of cannabis use neccesitates secrecy amongst users. The
young user fears arrest and is thus reluctant to discuss the issue with
parents, teachers and other adult support people. This secrecy basically
serves to further isolate troubled young people from their support networks
and positive role models, which in turn undermines the youth's emotional
resiliency.

Cannabis is widely used in New Zealand, despite it's illegality. Yet our
health and education systems remain ill equipped to offer harm minimisation
education and treatment It's clear that the current approach to dealing
with cannabis use and abuse is in serious need of revision.

The statistics show that a change of approach is neccesary. I hope that
this dicussion soon moves on from highlighting the flaws of the current
system to finding effective ways to improve this sorry situation.

yours,

Duncan Eddy