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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Health warning over the use of cannabis
Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Saturday 07 Oct 2006 THE discovery of a large number of cannabis factories in Peterborough has prompted health officials to warn of the dangers associated with the drug. Over the past two weeks police officers have raided nine homes and confiscated over 4,500 plants. The majority of those found were skunk – a particularly strong variety which is known to cause hallucinations. Users are being warned they could develop mental health problems if they use the drug on a regular basis. Substance and misuse manager for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust Christopher Gill said: ”Regular cannabis use can lead to health problems, affecting both physical and mental health. “Physical health issues include respiratory conditions due to smoking and increased risk of accidents both on and off the roads. “Mental health problems can range from a lack of concentration and fatigue through to the early onset of episodes of psychosis in those people who have a predisposition towards mental illness.” Cannabis contains a chemical known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which contributes to the feeling of getting high or ‘stoned.’ Levels of THC found in skunk are usually a lot higher than those found in other forms of cannabis. A total of 19 police forces across the country took part in Operation Keymer – a crackdown on the cultivation and supply of cannabis. The Cambridgeshire police operation was said to be the second most successful behind the Metropolitan Police force. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Fullwood, who led the operation in Cambridgeshire, said: “On average the THC content in skunk is 12 per cent, whereas resin in herbal cannabis is around three per cent.” Drug advice organisation FRANK says using cannabis can lead to symptoms such as paranoia and anxiety. However, police say cannabis does not just pose a threat to users. Officers also believe public safety is being put at risk by those people who run cannabis factories. DCI Fullwoood added: “Because of the equipment used in cannabis factories a large supply of electricity is required. “This means the electricity mains have to be bypassed, creating a risk of fire and electrocution.” Each year more than 100 fires are caused by fires at cannabis factories. If undetected, cannabis factories can run for about 12 months and yield up to three harvests, making an income of around £250,000. Currently, about 60 per cent of cannabis found in the UK is skunk. Electricity supplier Powergen today said that tampering with an electricity is extremely dangerous. A spokesman said: “In the worst case scenario people who do this could be electrocuted. “It could also cause a fire. We would never recommend that anyone does this.” http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/
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