Pubdate: Fri, 30 Jan 2004
Source: Chester Chronicle (UK)
Copyright: owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror Plc 2004
Contact:  
http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/chroniclenewspapers/chesterchronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3212
Author: Jessica Shaughnessy
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

CANNABIS KILLED MY SON - BUT IT SHOULD STILL BE LEGAL

A FATHER who blames cannabis for his dead son's depression has called for 
the legalisation of the drug.

Following the reclassification of cannabis this week, Trevor Williams says 
the only way to combat the dangers of the drug is to decriminalise it.

His son, Russell, of Lorne Place, Chester, was killed in September 2001 
when he was struck by a train near Delamere Station.

'There is nothing you can do to stop people taking cannabis,' said Mr 
Williams, of Delamere Road, Norley, near Frodsham. 'But as long as it 
remains illegal then it is left in the control of the dealers.

'I don't see the point of moving it down, the distribution of cannabis 
remains underground and people continue to be exploited.

'I know that my opinion will be controversial but if places were licensed 
to sell it, there would be more control. If things are more out in the 
open, more could be done to raise awareness about the effects.'

Mr Williams and his wife, Pamela, think cannabis made Russell, 31, more 
susceptible to depression.

Mr Williams thinks his son may have been diagnosed with schizophrenia had 
he lived longer.

A keen musician, Russell first began to take the drug when he discovered 
nightclubs in his late-teens.

In the years leading up to his death, Russell was made redundant from ICI. 
He was also devastated when his grandmother died.

He became more and more depressed and, in January 1999, he was admitted to 
West Cheshire Hospital. Doctors thought he was suffering from a one-off 
psychotic episode.

'Taking cannabis was not something that Russell really discussed with me, 
although he did talk to Pam about it,' said Mr Williams.

'We don't think he took it again after going into hospital. But with 
depression, it's like a vicious circle - once you get it, it's hard to 
shake off.

'I am not an expert in cannabis and mental health, but I read newspapers 
and I think there is some evidence.

'It usually takes about five years for schizophrenia to be diagnosed. 
Doctors thought that Russell would get better, but he was very good at 
hiding the way he was feeling.'

After more than a year of taking medication, Russell gradually weaned 
himself off the drugs and his condition improved.

Russell was last seen alive at about 10.30pm on September 27, 2001, when he 
took a taxi to the Vale Royal Abbey Arms near Delamere, two miles from his 
parents' house.

At 5.45am the next day, train driver Terrence Byrne, of Aspen Close, Hoole, 
thought he had hit an owl when he passed through Delamere Railway Station 
and heard a thud.

Russell's body was discovered by the side of the track about two hours 
later. A jury returned an open verdict into his death in July 2002.

'I read articles in the paper about cannabis,' said Mr Williams. 'The more 
I read, the more I am certain that cannabis effected Russell's mental health.'

Mr Williams continued: 'Different people react to cannabis in different 
ways. Some people do not have adverse effects but others, like Russell, do.

'If cannabis was legalised then there could be campaigns such as the 
anti-smoking adverts on TV. The thing about cannabis is, it is perceived as 
a safe drug because there is a lack of awareness. It's like alcohol or 
tobacco, it can destroy lives.
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