legalisation of marijuana in Bermuda.

"...to do so would support individuals pursuing actions that are known to be harmful to their health,'' said NDC chairman Malcolm Butterfield. Mr.

Butterfield's statements follow comments by Government Senator Calvin Smith this week, who urged that Bermuda take a look at legalising marijuana.

Sen. Smith's argument was based on his opinion that a law which was not regarded with respect should be examined with the possibility of repealing it.

"It's hard to impose a law if people are not convinced something is bad,'' he said. "A lot of people are convinced marijuana is no worse than the use of alcohol and question why it's illegal.'' But Sen. Smith stressed no decision should be made before an Island-wide debate or even a Green Paper discussion document to look at the problem in depth.

The NDC's speaking out goes in line with the opinion of Shadow Health and Social Services Minister Kim Young, who said any attempts to legalise the drug should be put out of action before they begin and denied that marijuana use was acceptable to increasing numbers. "He really sent out a mixed message to the young people of Bermuda that the Government almost condones drugs,'' Ms Young told The Royal Gazette on Thursday.

She added that -- rather than looking at loosening the law -- more money should be pumped into education about the dangers of drugs and catching the supply before it hits the streets.

"As long as people who are leaders in the community keep sending out these confusing messages people don't know where they stand on drugs -- and it suggests Government could be soft on drugs,'' Ms Young said. An NDC Press release said: "We maintain that marijuana is a drug that can cause harm to those who use it. This position is supported by well-documented research.'' It noted that evidence had showed "long-term use of marijuana can interfere with thinking, can impair judgment and can affect memory, learning and motivation.'' The Press release continued: "Evidence exists to demonstrate that chronic marijuana use may lead to an amotivational syndrome.

"This condition has been associated with apathy, lethargy, decreased concentration, impairment of judgment and memory and decreased ambition.'' It argued that early use of marijuana increased the likelihood that one will use other substances and also noted that studies showed the drug limits the immune system's ability to protect the body against invading bacteria, viruses and infections.

"Contrary to popular perceptions, marijuana can be addictive,'' the Press release said.

And it added: "Efforts to portray marijuana as a soft, harmless drug are therefore misleading.'' Mr. Butterfield emphasised that "the NDC is interested in the health of this community''. "We cannot support the use of a substance that is known to impact negatively on the health of those who use it.'' He continued: "We will continue to educate the public on the harms associated with the use of marijuana and work to prevent our youth, and others, from experimenting with alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.'' Mr. Butterfield added: "Given our position, it naturally follows that we cannot support efforts to legalise marijuana possession or use, for to do so would support individuals pursuing actions that are known to be harmful to their health.''