02/05/2003

Cannabis associated death rate similar to tobacco

Contrary to a widely-held belief that cannabis smoke is relatively harmless, new research published in the British Medical Journal indicates that the death rate associated with smoking cannabis is as high as that found among cigarette smokers.

If true, it is estimated that as many as 30,000 people per year could die from a variety of diseases connected with smoking cannabis.

The reports authors, Professor John Henry and Dr William Oldfied, warned: "Chemicals in cannabis smoke are retained to a higher degree. The potential affects cannot be ignored."

The findings of that latest report also upheld claims that regular users also face a higher risk of serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

(GB)

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