EXTRA-HIGH CANNABIS THEORY GOES UP IN SMOKE

The effective strength of cannabis consumed in Britain has remained stable for the past 30 years, according to a European Union study published today.

The research says there is no evidence for claims that most cannabis consumed in Britain and the rest of Europe is now 10 times or more stronger than it was in the 70s.

The U.S. drugs "tsar" John Walters and toxicologist John Henry of St Mary's hospital in Paddington, west London, are among those who have warned that the cannabis available now bears little resemblance to that on the market 30 years ago, with serious health dangers for regular users.

The EU study says that the strength of the active ingredient - THC - has remained unchanged at about 6% for most of the cannabis smoked in Britain. It says the amount of cannabis put in the typical British joint has also remained constant for 20 years at about 200mg for marijuana and 150mg for resin.

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Pubdate: Sat, 26 Jun 2004 Source: Guardian, The (UK) Copyright: 2004 Guardian Newspapers Limited .