February 19, 2007
ONE in three young people find cannabis use unacceptable, according to research suggesting the drug is now seen as addictive and linked to health and social problems.
A new survey by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre found marijuana use has become socially unfashionable, with three-quarters of the 1500 adults surveyed believing it is dangerous or very dangerous.
Nearly half believed cannabis can cause schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorder to a moderate or large degree.
Almost half of people aged under 30 reported having friends who use cannabis.
Centre spokesman Paul Dillon said the data clearly showed being stoned just did not seem to be as acceptable as it once was.
"The Australian community is ready to accept a non-smoking message," he said. "People are starting to see smokers, not only tobacco smokers but any smokers, as being isolated."
Mr Dillon said prevention programs, particularly school drug education programs, were doing a great job teaching about the harm of cannabis.
But he expressed concern that many people were not getting information about cannabis from reliable sources.
The Howard Government said the data vindicated its tough stance on marijuana use. Parliamentary secretary for health Christopher Pyne said it showed young people were starting to recognise that cannabis and mental health were linked.
From: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2007/ ... 12540.html
