Pubdate: Mon, 18 Apr 2005
Source: Border Mail (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 Border Mail
Contact:  http://www.bordermail.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1017
Author: Mark Mulcahy
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

CANNABIS TREND PROMPTS FEARS

Magistrates Express Alarm At Drug Use

TWO magistrates presiding in North East courts have expressed grave 
concerns about the upward trend in drug use.

One of them, Mr John Murphy, has described the prevalence of cannabis in 
the community as "a nightmare for parents and frightening".

Mr Peter Couzens said there was an enormous number of cannabis-related 
matters coming before him.

"It is in my view a very dangerous drug," he said.

But Mr Couzens also believes amphetamine use in the North East and 
particularly Wodonga is more prevalent than other areas of the State.

Both have spoken out about the impact of drugs on families because of what 
they see as further worrying trends.

Recently Mr Murphy was advised by police that 52 per cent of 108 matters 
listed for Shepparton Court were drug-related.

A couple of days later 48 per cent of the matters listed at Echuca Court 
likewise involved drugs.

Both Mr Couzens and Mr Murphy say significant numbers of cases listed at 
courts at Benalla, Myrtleford, Wangaratta and Wodonga likewise involve drugs.

Mr Murphy said statistics showed that in 1996 the strength of cannabis was 
about 6 per cent.

A"Now it can be as high as 26 per cent and averages about 13 per cent,A" he 
said.

He said much of the cannabis was hydroponically grown, was better quality 
and the heads of the plants rather than leaf.

The added strength of the drug is a real danger for teenagers tempted to 
experiment with it.

Mr Couzens said heavy, protracted use of cannabis could lead to mental 
health issues.

He said drug users came to Wodonga to obtain amphetamine or derivatives of 
it, such as ecstasy.
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MAP posted-by: Beth