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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Cannabis damage could take decades to show, say doctors
Ananova
Tuesday 27 Nov 2001 Leading doctors have warned the long-term effect of smoking cannabis may not become clear for up to 40 years. Professor of accident and emergency medicine at Imperial College, London, John Henry, says that the long-term damage in terms of lung damage and lung cancer are likely to be greater than caused by cigarettes. He also warned of a huge rise in the number of cocaine-related health problems seen by doctors. "In my own practice the problem that we see most now is cocaine coming into the emergency department with all sorts of medical complications," he said. "The number of deaths from cocaine have rocketed between 1996 and 1999. "The use of cocaine is causing medical problems probably in line with two things - increased availability and the image it has in the public eye of being mild and recreational." There is growing evidence that ecstasy causes considerable memory damage, even if it is used for just a few months, he added. Home Secretary David Blunkett wants cannabis to be downgraded from a class B drug to class C, meaning possession of small amounts will no longer be an arrestable offence. Professor Henry told the Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry into the UK's drug laws: "Many of the long-term problems and mental health problems, damage to lungs and cardiovascular systems will not become apparent for years. "We do not know how this health detriment is going to evolve with time because we are at a relatively early stage of cannabis use in this country."
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