Make users aware of risks - Changing perception of cannabis

THERE are few endeavours that can seem as pointless as one generation telling another how to live, how to behave and how not to risk their health by misusing drugs. Every family in Ireland has been bruised by alcohol abuse nevertheless, many of us love a drink and enjoy occasional indulgences.

The situation around “soft” drugs is less clear. Those who advocate the legalisation of cannabis suggest it is less dangerous than alcohol. Even if that is true it hardly seems wise to suggest that a drug should be legalised because it does less harm than the most destructive agent in this society.

A survey, carried out amongst 400 secondary pupils in Dublin’s north inner city, which found that cannabis is “not really” seen as a drug must be a cause for concern.