Cannabis Education Too Little Too Late.........

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Cannabis education too little too late...........

Press Release

Don Barnard

Thursday 22 Jan 2004

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9/04: Cannabis education too little too late.

The Legalise Cannabis Alliance demands answers:

It is time for government to justify the law instead of tinkering with it!

Should we continue to punish the majority of cannabis users who have no

problem using it, because a minority may have problems? Or;

Should we have a regulated control of cannabis to protect this minority that

may have problems.

What is reclassification!

There is still much confusion on how reclassification will work, the

benefits to be gained. And the relative harms associated with cannabis use"

said Don Barnard of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance.

In 2002 Government announced it was minded to reclassify cannabis, since

then the pro-legaliser's and the prohibitionist have demanded a clear

reasons for this move and a definition of reclassification.

Don Barnard said: "It's an illusion of change, the laws on cannabis have not

been amended. Reclassification is a change in sentencing practice. Not a

change in law..." nothing has changed.

From next week the possession of cannabis will still be an arrestable

offence for all minors. And those who flout the law in public.

However, under guide lines issued by the ACPO's, adults found in possession

of an unspecified amount cannabis (consistent with personal use) will not

normally be arrested - presumption of non arrest.

"How will it be found?" asked Mr Barnard.

How dangerous is cannabis!

There has also been a flurry of claims over the past few weeks on the

alleged harms associated with cannabis use.

Mr Barnard said: " Of course we should be concerned about the health of the

4.5 million cannabis user in the UK. But, Let's get real, these bad things

are happening under prohibition, why should people think that continuing

prohibition (reclassification) will improve the situation?

"I would respectively suggest that the medical profession should consider

supporting the LCA's demands for a proper regulate control of cannabis.

"LCA strategy would help restrict access to the young, remove the criminal

contact in obtaining cannabis from a street, quality control...

"And supply credible drugs education literature/advise in a language

understood by the targeted audience"

Referring to cannabis users harms reduction education from Holland [2]

Mr Barnard said: "This is the kind of education the government should be

supplying the public."

"The bottom line is prohibition has not worked, does nothing to address the

concerns of the medical profession, to protect the small minority who may

have an adverse reaction."..."It's time to try a different approach."

Kind regards

Don Barnard

REPLY TO:

LCA Press Officer

http://www.lca-uk.org

donbarnard@lca-uk

07984 255015

Editors notes:

1] Data About THC's Relative Non-Toxicity.

http://www.cannabinoid.com/wwwboard/politi.../24/24154.shtml

2] 12 STEPS TO PROTECT:

Source: http://www.drugtext.org/sub/tips.htm

In many cultures, hashish and marijuana have been smoked for centuries. They

come from the hemp plant. The effect lasts for two to four hours. They can

make you cheerful and relaxed. But like any other substance, they can also

be used the wrong way. Here are twelve tips for doing it right.

Smoke hashish and marijuana to have a good time. But don't expect a joint to

solve any problems for you.

If you smoke hashish or marijuana every day, try and skip a couple of days

now and then.

Smoking hashish or marijuana affects your ability to concentrate, so don't

smoke them at school, at work or when you are driving a car.

Some kinds of hashish or marijuana are stronger than others; they have a

higher THC level. An experienced smoker senses when he has had enough. He

knows it is time to stop. But if you are a new smoker, you don't know when

to stop. So it is important to get some reliable information first about

what you are buying.

If you aren't experienced, it is not a good idea to combine smoking with

drinking any kind of alcoholic beverages.

When you have space cake, it is difficult to know how much cannabis you are

eating. Before you know it, you will have too much. So start with a small

piece. It can take anywhere from forty-five minutes to an hour and a half

before you feel anything. Wait for it to take effect before you have another

piece, otherwise you are sure to overdo it.

Sometimes smoking hashish or marijuana might not agree with you. It can lead

to nausea or anxiety. Find a quiet place to relax, and eat or drink

something sweet. Do not panic. In an hour, the worst of it will be over.

If you are taking any kind of medication, consult a doctor before you smoke

hashish or marijuana. Never smoke them if you are pregnant.

When you smoke hashish or marijuana, substances (tar and carbon monoxide)

are released that are harmful to the health.

Be aware that if you smoke cannabis mixed with tobacco, you are also smoking

tobacco. Nicotine is addictive.

Do not buy hashish or marijuana on the street. Look for a good coffeeshop.

Do not take any hashish or marijuana with you when you go abroad.