Dear Sir,

There appears to be plenty of evidence that the controlled use of cannabis to assist those persons having chemotherapy, does assist the patient. It is also recorded that it can be useful in some treatments of glaucoma. However, I came across an article by Wayne Hall PhD and Louisa Degenhardt PhD in “The Lancet” on the adverse health effects of non-medical cannabis use.

I quote: “For over two decades, cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, has been the most widely used illicit drug by young people in high income countries, and has recently become popular on a global scale. Epidemiological research during the past ten years suggests that regular use of cannabis during adolescence and into adulthood can have adverse effects.

“Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies have established an association between cannabis use and adverse outcomes. We focus on adverse health effects of greatest potential public health interest — that is, those that are most likely to occur and to affect a large number of cannabis users.

“The most probable adverse effects include a dependence syndrome, increased risk of motor vehicle crashes, impaired respiratory function, cardiovascular disease and adverse effects of regular use on adolescent psychosocial development and mental health.”

Bermuda has to be very careful on how it proceeds in this area, however, I consider that persons caught with small amounts should not end up with a criminal record which prevents them travelling to the US, which is American legislation, not Bermudian. That is why, when tourists are caught with the drug saying they did not know it is illegal in Bermuda, it is illegal in the USA!

ANTONY SIESE