Pubdate: Fri, 4 Jul 2008
Source: Tide, The (Nigeria)
Copyright: 2008 The Tide
Contact:  http://www.thetidenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3973
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)

'EDUCATE GROWERS ON NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF INDIAN HEMP'

Abimbola Fashola, wife of the Lagos State Governor Tuesday urged the 
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to identify and educate 
growers of Indian hemp on its harmful effects on the society .

A statement by the government quoted Fashola as giving the advice at 
an event to mark this year's International Day Against Drug Abuse and 
Illicit Trafficking.

She said it was pertinent to educate the growers to utilise the land 
for food products that would benefit them and the society.

Fashola stressed that it was important that Nigeria as a nation play 
a major role in the fight against the cultivation and trafficking of 
Indian hemp since it has been identified as a significant exporter of 
cannabis in Africa.

According to Fashola, the UN report on drug and crime noted that 
cannabis is the world's most abused and widely known illicit drug.

"If we do not grow cannabis, it will not be available for people to 
buy and use. If we succeed in taking cannabis out of circulation, the 
society will be more peaceful," Fashola said.

She explained that apart from the social implication of cannabis on 
the society, it also increased the risk of lung infection and heart 
attack five times than normal.

She further said that reports have shown that 70 per cent of crimes 
were done under the influence of cannabis.

Fashola commended the NDLEA and the state Inter-Ministerial Drug 
Abuse Control Committee for steps taken at sensitising the residents 
on the harmful effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

She urged the youths, whom she said accounts for the greater 
percentage of drug abusers, to resist the temptation to indulge in drug use.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris noted that the 
state government was desirous of creating a model state, free from 
the ravages of drug abuse.

He said that the theme of this year's celebration, "Do Drug Control 
Your Life?", was most appropriate as it shifted focus from the 
palliative measures of drug abuse control to the preventive measures.

Idris said that it also established a direct link between the 
availability of cannabis and its abuse.

Also the Special Adviser on Health, Mr Toyin Amzat, stressed the need 
to employ multi strategy to tackle the scourging effects of 
cultivation, sales and consumption of cannabis. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake