Government Launches Anti-Cannabis Campaign

Last month the government raised cannabis to a class B drug from the less serious class C category.

A two million pound campaign to alert children and young people to the health risks posed by cannabis was launched by the government on Monday.

Adverts will be run across TV, radio and the Internet, with the message that cannabis is not a safe drug and has links to mental health problems such as paranoia and schizophrenia.

"Cannabis is a destructive drug. What can start as a few giggles and being part of the crowd can have serious and long-term health problems," Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said.

"Young people need to know cannabis isn't a soft drug. They need to be aware of the risks they're taking."

Last month the government raised cannabis to a class B drug from the less serious class C category, arguing there was concern about the use of "skunk", a stronger strain of the narcotic which dominates the market.

That was despite recommendations from the government's independent drug advisory body that there was insufficient evidence for the change.

Under the tighter class B rules, which put cannabis on a par with amphetamines and barbiturates, users face up to five years' jail and suppliers a maximum of 14 years.

Home Office figures show that cannabis is the most frequently used illegal drug by children aged 11 to 15, is used by almost 18 percent of 16 to 24-year-olds, and more than 7 percent of those aged between 16 and 59.

The new campaign is designed to show that cannabis can turn users from being talkative and relaxed to becoming paranoid, having panic attacks and being sick.

In some cases, regular use of the drug can damage people's lungs, affect their reproductive system and lead to the development of schizophrenia.

"We have known for years that it can be part of a pattern of relapse and risk in people with severe illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder," said Louis Appleby, the national director for Mental Health Services.

"Now the evidence is pointing to cannabis as the cause of psychosis in some people, particularly people who are heavy users."