Ban Advertising Of Cannabis Products, Says Charity On Tobacco Anniversary

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Also Included In: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 14 Feb 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Ban the advertising of all tobacco related products - including those used for smoking cannabis - mental health charity Rethink says on the fifth anniversary of the end of tobacco advertising.

The ban on tobacco advertising is thought to have played a major part in the reduction of smoking rates in Great Britain. In 2002, the year before the ban came into force, 26% of adults were cigarette smokers compared to 22% in 2006.

Rethink believes that a ban on all tobacco related products, including king-size rolling papers, could have a similar impact on cannabis rates - and reduce the number of people experiencing mental health problems as a result.

Jane Harris, Rethink's head of campaigns, said that it was not acceptable for tobacco products such as rolling papers to continue to be exempt from the advertising ban.

"Research has shown that more people think king-size rolling papers are used for cannabis than for tobacco. Given the mental health risks of using cannabis, along with the physical health risks of smoking, any tactics used to promote products such as these should be outlawed.

"More restrictive advertising guidelines would help to protect young people who are most at risk of developing mental illness as a result of cannabis use. It is time the government recognised the influence of advertising and made a decision on health grounds to widen the current tobacco advertising restrictions as part of a package of measures to tackle cannabis use."

1. On 14 February 2003, the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 came into force. It does not cover advertisements of rolling papers or filters.

2. Rethink carried out a survey. In response to the question: "In your experience which, if any, of the following do people use king size rolling papers for ?", 50% said cannabis and 49% said tobacco.

In the 25-34 age range this rose to 65% saying cannabis and 46% saying tobacco. To see the full findings go to http://www.rethink.org/educatingreefer

http://www.rethink.org

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