'EPIDEMIC' WARNING ON CANNABIS

(NZPA) Widespread use of cannabis among young people could result in an
epidemic of schizophrenia, says the Commissioner for Children, Roger McClay.

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 last night.

"Why would New Zealand be any different?" Mr McClay asked.

Professor 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 said.

"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 MPs condemned cigarettes as if they were "the devil in
disguise", but marijuana seemed to be further down on their agenda.

Drug use was a big issue now and would be in the future.