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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Fears over new danger drug spreading in the Highlands
Arthur MacMillan Press & Journal, Aberdeen
Tuesday 04 Feb 2003 Highlands-based drugs campaigners yesterday voiced concerns about a particularly cheap and noxious form of cannabis resin which they say is becoming increasingly available to youngsters in the Highlands. Alness Mothers Against Drugs (AMAD) said that use of Soap Bar or Moroccan cannabis was dangerous because it is contaminated with animal tranquilisers, petroleum-based chemicals, and excessive quantities of beeswax and liquorice. It derives its name from the quarter kilo bars it is formed into. AMAD chairwoman Dorothy MacLennan said: "In the last 10 to 15 years the street price of cannabis resin has reduced by up to 40% with seven grams of Soap or Moroccan cannabis costing about £20, which is well within the price range of most young people. "However, it is widely known among older cannabis users that this form of resin is often little more than a noxious substance, tolerated only because nothing else is available." Ms MacLennan added that research by Edinburgh University showed that Soap Bar contained carcinogenic substances such as toluene and benzene and the long-term effects of smoking it were not yet fully understood. AMAD project co-ordinator Stuart Baxter recently held a meeting in Inverness, attended by parents concerned that their children had access to cheap cannabis resin and the subsequent effects that drug use had on their behaviour. Yesterday, Mr Baxter said: "We have also been hearing anecdotal evidence from older users in the community of unwelcome side effects from smoking Soap Bar." It is thought that boot polish and turpentine are just two of the substances sometimes used by drug dealers to bump up quantities of Soap Bar. Mr Baxter said: "Even the researcher conducting the impurities survey does not fully understand what the true constituents of this stuff is. I recently spoke with him and he admitted it was a very difficult task to ascertain what exactly all the ingredients were." AMAD, which has been in operation since September, 2000, works to address concerns in the Easter Ross community surrounding the availability of illegal drugs. It will hold its annual meeting on February 13, at the Averon Centre, Alness, at 7pm, to which local people are encouraged to attend. As well as developing opportunities to divert people away from the drugs sub-culture, the pressure group actively encourages drug prevention measures. AMAD is looking to appoint new members. Anyone interested should attend the meeting or contact Ms MacLennan or Mr Baxter on 01349 880007 or 07900 916068.
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