Critical measures needed to fight drug abuse & misinformation about cannabis (Singapore)

The Straits Times 6 November 2019
Family First Comment: “Mr Bob McCoskrie, one of the speakers at the conference, said cannabis-infused candies, nasal sprays, mineral water and vape liquids are prevalent, as well as petrol stations called “gas and grass” that sell marijuana. He is the director of Family First New Zealand, which is campaigning towards a 2020 referendum to prevent the legalisation of cannabis in New Zealand.”

The fight against drug abuse and the need to counter the proliferation of misinformation surrounding cannabis are critical measures that must be taken today, said Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Home Affairs.

Mrs Teo, who was speaking at the Asia-Pacific Forum Against Drugs on Thursday morning (Nov 7), said that behind the misinformation and overseas campaign for the legalisation of cannabis are big corporations with the spending power to push for their agenda.

“If they succeed, the drug situation could become even more grim,” she said at the conference co-organised by World Federation Against Drugs and the National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA).

According to the 2019 World Drug Report, one in every 18 people in the world had used drugs at least once in the previous year, which is a more than 30 per cent increase, compared to a decade ago.

She said: “Already, almost 12 million, or more than a third of young Americans, reported cannabis abuse in 2018. This is the highest level of cannabis use since 2002. With legalisation, these numbers will rise.”

A concern among law enforcement, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and anti-drug lobbyists is impressionable youths.

Mr Bob McCoskrie, one of the speakers at the conference, said cannabis-infused candies, nasal sprays, mineral water and vape liquids are prevalent, as well as petrol stations called “gas and grass” that sell marijuana.

He is the director of Family First New Zealand, which is campaigning towards a 2020 referendum to prevent the legalisation of cannabis in New Zealand.

He said big corporations know that if they get young people addicted to cannabis, “you’ll get clients for life”.

The danger of today’s commercial cannabis is its purity.

“We’re not talking about Woodstock weed,” said Mr McCoskrie, who pointed out that THC or tetrahydrocannabinol levels in cannabis found today are more potent than previously.
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