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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Pot to cigs for the kids
Ross Clark Daily Record, Glasgow
Thursday 18 Mar 2004 Teen smoking link CANNABIS is leading many teenagers to take up smoking, it is claimed. Researchers found around 40 per cent of 13 to 15--year-olds use the illegal drug before ever trying cigarettes. An Edinburgh University survey showed they only moved on to tobacco when the Class C drug was unavailable. Dr Gill Highet, of the university's health, behaviour and change unit, interviewed 59 boys and girls for the study. She said more has to be learned about young people's use of cannabis. She added: 'Our survey found many think that the cannabis laws are too strict. 'They think it is unfair to criminalise young people for smoking cannabis when, in their opinion, alcohol misuse causes much more harm. 'Boys, in particular, seem to gain some positive things from their cannabis use. 'For example, it gives them something to do, helps them to feel part of the crowd and sometimes makes them feel good about themselves.' The study follows other research showing smoking rates among Scots 12 to 15year-olds have remained steady since the early 1990s. In that time, there has been a big rise in cannabis use among teenagers. Dr Highet said her research shows a rethink is needed on how to stop youngsters smoking. She added: 'We recommend that services which tackle risk-taking behaviour in teenagers should be more co-ordinated, with closer links between smoking cessation services and drugs education programmes.'
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