MARIJUANA FAR FROM HARMLESS - MCCLAY

Wellington: Cannabis and its widespread use among young people could result in
an epidemic of schizophrenia, retired Commissioner for Children Roger McClay
says.

Recently published information from Britain showed the drug affected the brain
so seriously it was one of the leading causes of psychosis in that country, he
told a school principals' seminar in Piako, Waikato, last night.

"And why would New Zealand be any different?" he asked.

Prof Robin Murray, of the London Institute of Psychiatry, had warned there was
a clear link between psychiatric illness and marijuana use.

The more cannabis New Zealanders consumed, the more psychiatrists the country
would need, Mr McClay told the principals.

"It is outrageous that some so-called leaders in our society continually try to
lead young people to believe wrongly that this dope is harmless.

"Cannabis is probably the most widely used drug in our country after alcohol
and cigarettes."

Mr McClay said some members of Parliament condemned cigarettes as if they were
"the devil in disguise", but marijuana seemed to be further down their agenda.

Drug use was a big issue, he said.