Pubdate: Sat, 12 Aug 2000
Source: Evening Post (New Zealand)
Copyright: Wellington Newspapers (2000) Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.evpost.co.nz/

TRUE DOPE STORY WANTED

The New Zealand Drug Foundation has called on the Government to commission an unbiased report on the health effects of cannabis.

The lobby group wrote to Health Minister Annette King last week criticising the poor quality of debate on the drug. Health effects of cannabis were either exaggerated or downplayed, executive director Sally Jackman said.

Medical research had failed to find brain damage in long-term heavy cannabis users. However, heavy users could have problems with thinking, even when not under the influence of the drug. Cannabis smoking during pregnancy could lead to reduced birthweight.
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