Pubdate: Sun, 11 May 2008
Source: Observer, The (UK)
Copyright: 2008 The Observer
Contact:  http://www.observer.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/315
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n461/a08.html
Author: Marjorie Wallace

CANNABIS DANGERS ARE REAL

In Colin Blakemore's powerful article he argues there is lack of
evidence that cannabis causes psychotic illness ('Hysteria over
cannabis is getting in the way of truth', Comment, last week ). We on
the frontline see a very different picture. We both deplore the fact
that Britain is a world leader in its drug problem: we differ only in
what needs to be done to lift us out of it. We agree there should be
more research, and on the need to overhaul the drug classification
system, but we do not believe we can simply wait for a national
education programme to take effect. We see too many people confused by
mixed messages, or who are in despair because a relative has become
psychotic after smoking skunk.

We would like to combine Professor Blakemore's passion for scientific
evidence with our own concerns for the future of vulnerable young
people and their families, and share his vision of working together
towards a society in which people understand the real dangers of drugs
of all kinds.

Marjorie Wallace

Chief Executive, SANE
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