Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:


After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back.

UK: Cannabis is the drug of choice

Nick Mann

Guernsey Press and Star

Tuesday 05 Oct 2004

---
CANNABIS remains the most popular illegal drug in Guernsey.

Nearly three-quarters of local drug users begin between the ages of 10 and
15, while 91% took cannabis as their first drug.
The statistics from Drug Strategy's database have helped focus education on
the subject.

'Unfortunately, the database found that most people started between 13 and
15, so we felt it was quite important to do things focused on that age
group,' said co-ordinator Maria Eggleston.

'It's also important to inform parents, carers and adults to keep them up
to date as well.'

Cannabis has been the focus of Drug Awareness Week, with a range of
activities and leaflets.

'It remains the most popular drug of choice. The thing that interested me
is that 63% of people on the database who use cannabis use it every day and
generally you'd say doing anything on a daily basis is not a good idea.'

She added that although such a high percentage took cannabis as their first
drug, it was not necessarily a gateway.

'The drugs database has been going for three years. Looking at the
long-term trends, we're finding there's been a slight increase in cannabis
use, but it could be more people are reporting.

'We need to run for four years or more to get baseline data, but we're
currently seeing it's the most widely-used illegal drug in the island.'

She added that it was important to change the perceptions of young people
because many thought it was safe if used properly.

'What is proper use? The thing is, smoking anything causes health problems,
and if you eat it, it's uncontrollable.'

Drug Concern project manager Tracey Rear said the statistics helped inform
it of where to pitch drug education.

'Cannabis statistics at Drug Concern have seen a slight increase mid-year,
although these are not age-definable yet,' she said.

'There is probably confusion about its legal status, which the drug
education programme from Drug Concern clarifies and I'm sure Drug Awareness
Week will also.'

She added that the main message to get across was that cannabis was still
an illegal drug and possession and supply still have consequences
regardless of people's personal opinions.

'The figures are surprising. It would be good to see the actual number
instead of percentages to see what number we are looking at.

'We do have contact with 15-year-olds upwards, however our core age group
at present falls within the 21 to 31 range.'

- Drug Concern can be contacted on 239132 for free confidential advice on
drug-related issues.

 

 

 

After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back. 




This page was created by the Cannabis Campaigners' Guide.

Feel free to link to this page!