The NACDA was established in response to the drug problem to assist in our continued need to improve our knowledge and understanding of problem drug use.
The goal of the NACDA is to advise the Government on problem drug use in Ireland in relation to prevalence, prevention consequences and treatment based on our analysis and interpretation of research findings.
Wednesday 1st September 2004
The first Irish review of scientific evidence about cannabis has been released. The report, entitled ‘An Overview of Scientific and other Information on Cannabis’ and published by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD), was launched by Mr Noel Ahern, TD, Minister of State for the National Drug Strategy today. It highlights a number of issues in relation to cannabis in particular the evidence that regular cannabis smokers are at an increased risk of developing some cancers. Most regular users of cannabis in Ireland smoke cannabis in the form of a joint, thereby also using tobacco products.
The report was prepared by a collaboration of researchers from a range of disciplines and backgrounds: Dr Mark Morgan, Head of the Education Department at St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dr Claire Collins, Research Director of Social and Clinical Research Consultants (SCRC), Mr Johnny Connolly, Criminologist and Research Officer with the Drug Misuse Research Division of the Health Research Board and Dr Dominique Crowley, Specialist in Public Health Medicine. The report also draws attention to information gaps and highlights the need for further detailed research on the effects of cannabis use in Ireland.
"I believe the report shows that cannabis is a complex substance and, notwithstanding the fact that it is not as dangerous as some other drugs, it can have many damaging effects on the physical and mental health of the user, particularly the young and those who are heavy users of the drug. This report is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to improving our knowledge base in the drugs field," Minister Ahern said.
"The consequences of much wider use of cannabis on the health of the general population have to be considered by those who support its broader availability. The approach we have adopted in Ireland is, I believe, appropriate for our circumstances and our society and we have to refute the notion promoted by some that cannabis is harmless."
The study reviewed all relevant research from Ireland and abroad up to early 2003 and revealed the following:
"The NACD, as a result of its analysis of this report on cannabis concluded that there is a need to monitor the potency of cannabis products on the Irish market; as well as establishing the extent of cannabis dependence, and whether there are links between cannabis use and mental ill-health and respiratory illnesses, in particular. Other significant areas where the NACD feel that further research is needed include the area of what happens when cannabis users come into contact with the legal system and an investigation of cannabis use as one of the factors in early school leaving," said Dr Des Corrigan, Chairperson of NACD.
Dr Corrigan added “whilst many gaps in our knowledge still exist, the NACD/DAIRU Drug Prevalence Survey, undertaken in 2002/03 goes a long way to answering a number of questions as some of the key findings below from the forthcoming Bulletin 3 on cannabis use shows:
ENDS
For further information:
Jane O’Dwyer (086 6491408) / Pat Montague (087 2549123) at Montague Communications, Tel. 01 8377960