Pubdate: Tue, 12 Jul 2005
Source: Evening Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2005 Northamptonshire Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.northantsnew.co.uk/news/tele/index.asp
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2272
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

SHOCK FIGURES ON KIDS AND CANNABIS

Confusion over the legal status of cannabis may have led young people 
to believe it is okay for them to use it, a Dundee-based youth worker 
said today, writes Grant Smith. Fiona Bryson, co-ordinator of the 
Peer Education Project, which teaches older children how to give 
information on drugs and alcohol to primary seven pupils, said she 
was concerned the reclassification of cannabis from Class B to Class 
C status had left many young people with the impression that 
possession for personal use was allowed.

Ms Bryson was speaking following the release of figures from Tayside 
Police showing the number of 11- to 16-year-olds charged with drug 
offences has more than doubled between 2002 and last year.

In 2002, 79 people in that age group were charged with possession or 
supply. Almost all the offences involved cannabis, although a handful 
involved amphetamine, ecstasy or heroin.

By last year, the total number of cases had risen to 175, with all 
but 10 relating to cannabis. There were five each for amphetamine and heroin.

Tayside Police said peer pressure might be influencing children to 
try drugs. There was no evidence of children being targeted by dealers.

Ms Bryson said she came into contact with many under-16s and there 
was clearly confusion about the legal status of cannabis and 
differences in the law between England and Scotland.

"The reclassification of cannabis from Class B to Class C has meant a 
lot of young people got the message that it's okay to possess it for 
their own use, but in Scotland it's not okay," she said.

She was worried this was also affecting young people's attitudes 
towards the safety of cannabis use, with the known health risks being 
downplayed.

There was now evidence that cannabis use at an early age could worsen 
mental health problems.

It also entailed using tobacco, which was had health risks of its own.

She noted the Government was now reconsidering its position on 
cannabis classification. While that raised a concern about further 
confusion, there was a potentially positive outcome if ministers came 
out with a clear message that cannabis was more harmful than had been thought.

Mr Bryson said, "At the Peer Education Project we don't condone drug 
use at all, but we will support young people in getting the 
information they need to make their own choices.

"There is support out there for people who feel they have made the 
wrong choice."

National body DrugScope warned recently that cannabis users risked 
perceptual distortions, forgetfulness and confusion.

There might also be varying degrees of temporary psychological 
distress, especially paranoia and anxiety, particularly if the user 
was already anxious or depressed.

"Novice users who do not know what to expect may find the experience 
of using cannabis particularly distressing, especially if strong 
variants are involved. Concern has been raised that heavy cannabis 
use during early adolescence may have some effect on social or 
cognitive development," the report said.
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