Cannabis smokers are at an increased risk of developing cancer, according to a new report unveiled today by the Minister of State for the National Drug Strategy, Mr Noel Ahern. 'An Overview of Scientific and other Information on Cannabis', published by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD), is the first Irish review of scientific evidence about cannabis.
It claims there is evidence that regular cannabis smokers are at an increased risk of developing some cancers due to cannabis' link with tobacco.
"Most regular users of cannabis in Ireland smoke cannabis in the form of a joint, thereby also using tobacco products," it states.
The study reveals the potency of cannabis available in Ireland has increased in recent years.
It is estimated that up to four times the amount of tar can be deposited on the lungs of cannabis smokers as cigarette smokers if a cigarette of comparable weight is smoked.
It also found cannabis smoke contains more cancer causing chemicals than tobacco smoke leading to bronchitis and a doubling of the risk of certain types of cancer. There is a strong association between regular cannabis use in adolescence and poor educational outcomes, especially early school leaving.
The reports acknowledges that cannabis has been shown to have beneficial outcomes for certain types of pain relief, treatment of nausea and vomiting and appetite stimulation.
However, the report claims, that there is evidence supporting an association between cannabis use and schizophrenia among vulnerable individuals.
Evidence shows that drivers under the influence of cannabis are often aware of their impairment but are unable to compensate for the loss of capability in some psychomotor skills such as staying in lane.
Evidence shows that heavy cannabis use produces subtle cognitive impairments of memory, attention and the organisation of complex information.
Regular cannabis use tends to be associated with somewhat poorer occupational and employment performance, specifically lower income, greater job instability and lower job satisfaction, the report finds.
Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in Ireland. The survey found that 17 per cent of of those aged 15-64 had used the drug at least once in their life; 5 per cent of wwhom had used it in the last year and 3 per cent in the last month.
Cannibis resin, often known as hash, was the form most commonly used, with a smaller number of respondents reporting use of the herbal form (grass, weed, marijuana).
The vast majority of cannabis users consume the drug in a "joint" rather than using a pipe or bong while a very small number took cannabis in food.
More than two thirds of those surveyed agreed that cannabis use should be permitted for medical reasons. Almost the same number disagreed that cannabis use should be permitted for recreational reasons.
Speaking at its launch today 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."