06/11/2007 00:00:00
Press Release: Cannabis mixed with tobacco linked to increased psychosocial
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Cannabis mixed with tobacco linked to increased psychosocial problems
Teens who smoke both cannabis and tobacco seem to have more psychosocial
problems, than those who smoke cannabis only.
A study in Switzerland published in the November issue of the Archives
of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine has found teens who smoked marijuana
(aka: cannabis /weed/pot) do as well or better in some areas as those
who don't. But the same was not true for those who used both tobacco
mixed with the herb.
We hope you consider it of sufficient import to draw this to the
attention your readers/audience for information/discussion.
Editors notes:
The study published in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics &
Adolescent Medicine found that teens who smoke cannabis were more likely
to have a good relationship with their friends than teens who did not
smoked tobacco or pot.
Dr. J. C. Suris and colleagues at the University of Lausanne,
Switzerland, analysed data from a 2002 national survey of almost 5,300
Swiss students aged 16 to 20 years. Of the group, 455 smoked cannabis
exclusively, 1,703 smoked marijuana and tobacco, and 3,105 abstained
from both substances.
The survey found that, compared with students who used both substances,
students who smoked cannabis only were more likely:
* to be male (71.6 per cent vs. 59.7 per cent),
* to play sports (85.5 per cent vs. 66.7 per cent)
* to live with both parents (78.2 vs. 68.3)
* to have good grades (77.5 vs. 66.6).
As well, the researchers noted that students who smoked marijuana only
were less likely:
* to have been drunk in the past 30 days (40.5 per cent vs. 55
per cent)
* to have started using cannabis before the age of 15 years (25.9
per cent vs. 37.5 per cent)
* to have smoked cannabis more than once or twice during the
previous 30 days (44 per cent vs. 66 per cent)
* to use other illegal drugs (8.4 per cent vs. 17.9 per cent).
Those who smoked cannabis only used it less often than those who smoked
both cigarettes and cannabis. About half of the tobacco-and-cannabis
group had used it 10 times or more in the previous month, compared to
about half in the cannabis - only group who had used the cannabis only
once or twice in the same time period.
Compared to teens who abstain from smoking cannabis or cigarettes,
cannabis-only smokers were more likely to skip class, but still have the
same level of good grades. And although they were more likely to report
having a relationship with their parents, they are not more likely to be
depressed than abstainers.
The study did not explain the reasons behind any of its findings.
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The Legalise Cannabis Alliance http://www.lca-uk.org is a UK-based
organisation for the legalisation of cannabis affiliated to the
European Coalition For Just and Effective Drug Policies (ENCOD) a Euro
region network of 140 NGOÂ’s, individual experts and procured citizens
involved in the drug issue.
ENCOD is also the European section of an International Coalition, which
consists of more than 200 NGOs from around the world that have adhered
to a Manifesto for Just and Effective Drug Policy (established in 1998).
Legalise Cannabis Alliance
PO BOX 2883
STOKE ON TRENT
S74 9EE
http://www.lca-uk.org
http://www.myspace.com/cannabis_people_uk
publicrelation@lca-uk.org
07984 255015
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12990
Author:
Legalise Cannabis Alliance via UKCIA
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