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UK: Warning over rogue cannabis
Simon Angear Bridgwater Mercury
Friday 09 Feb 2007 CANNABIS smokers in Bridgwater are being warned that a rogue batch of the drug is being sold in the town - contaminated with fragments of glass. A number of people who use the recreational drug have contacted the Mercury this week in a bit to alert other users to the "scary" health risks to those who mistakenly smoke the spiked batch. One smoker, who asked not to be named, told the Mercury that he is aware of people who have suffered severe reactions - including coughing up blood - as a result of the contamination. The man said: "Of course we know that the drug is illegal, but this is a very serious issue with very serious health concerns. There are thousands of cannabis smokers out there, and people need to be made aware of it. "Dealers are adding this tiny glass grit to the cannabis leaves because it adds weight, and makes it look like it's better quality. "But it's very dangerous - I don't know what the worst-case scenario is, but I fear someone could end up very, very ill." advertisement And he is not alone. Janet Hucker, services manager for drug-users' support charity Turning Point Somerset, told the Mercury she had heard of a case of this sort in Bridgwater, and urged smokers to take precautions. She said: "There was a warning about this that came round the South-West a few months ago. More recently, I have heard of one case in Bridgwater. "What I think may be happening is that people are spraying the plants with this substance, which makes it look shinier, fresher, and maybe more powerful. "There is a big risk, because glass getting into your lungs could be very harmful. Our view is that if people are unsure, they should throw it away, but if they have to smoke it, then to be very careful." The contaminated drugs are thought to be leafy cannabis plants, rather than the cultivated resin. One way to safeguard against inhaling any of the glass particles is to use a fine filter, but there is also a simple test. Smokers are advised to lick their finger, and dab it to the leaves. If they then lick their finger again, and feel grit in their mouth - "like getting sand in a picnic" - then their drugs are contaminated and should be discarded. Avon and Somerset Police spokesman Ian Drury told the Mercury that because drug users often operate beneath the police radar, the force had received no reports of this rogue batch. He said: "We have not heard of this - but to be honest, it's not the sort of thing that drug-users are likely to report to us." http://www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/news/bmnewsbridgwater/display.var.1180410.0.warning_over_rogue_cannabis.php simon.angear@bridgwatermercury.co.uk
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