Pubdate: Fri, 22 Aug 2003
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2003 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

'EPIDEMIC' WARNING ON CANNABIS

(NZPA) Widespread use of cannabis among young people could result in an 
epidemic of schizophrenia, says the Commissioner for Children, Roger McClay.

Information from Britain showed the drug affected the brain so seriously it 
was one of the leading causes of psychosis in that country, he told a 
school principals seminar in Piako last night.

"Why would New Zealand be any different?" Mr McClay asked.

Professor Robin Murray, of the London Institute of Psychiatry, had warned 
there was a clear link between psychiatric illness and marijuana use.

The more cannabis New Zealanders consumed, the more psychiatrists the 
country would need, Mr McClay said.

"It is outrageous that some so-called leaders in our society continually 
try to lead young people to believe wrongly that this dope is harmless.

"Cannabis is probably the most widely used drug in our country after 
alcohol and cigarettes."

Mr McClay said some MPs condemned cigarettes as if they were "the devil in 
disguise", but marijuana seemed to be further down on their agenda.

Drug use was a big issue now and would be in the future.
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