Happy New Year to all our supporters.

The Sky documentary (My son, drugs and me) that Will and I took part in was repeated tonight, 12 Jan, on Sky 3. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has already written or phoned me about it, particularly to those fathers who have been in touch. I know how hard it is for some men to open up and express their feelings, but also recognise how empowering it is when they are able to.

I would urge anyone suffering with the problem of cannabis use in the family to…

Cannabis Compounds Found To Trigger Unique Immune Cells Which Promote Cancer Growth

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/209346.php

An international team of immunologists studying the effects of cannabis have discovered how smoking marijuana can trigger a suppression of the body’s immune functions. The research, published in the European Journal of Immunology, reveals why cannabis users are more susceptible to certain types of cancers and infections.

The team, led by Dr Prakash Nagarkatti from the University of South Carolina, focused their research on cannabinoids, a group of compounds found inside the cannabis plant, including THC (delta-9 tetahydrocannabinol) which is already used for medical purposes…

Cannabis and kids – the risks of starting young, overview by David Raynes, NDPA, 19 Nov 2010

A new study says that people who start smoking pot when they’re under 16 are more likely to suffer brain impairment than “late-onset” users.

November 18, 2010

http://theweek.com/article/slideshow/209528/marijuana-and-kids-the-risks-of-starting-young

A study finds that kids who start smoking marijuana early smoke three times as much and twice as often as those who start later.

Generally speaking, potheads don’t have a reputation for clarity of mind, but a new study finds that those who begin partaking when they’re under 16 ar even more likely…

From The Financial Times Limited:

Dutch look at weeding out cannabis cafés

By Stanley Pignal in Amsterdam

Published: October 8 2010 17:49 | Last updated: October 8 2010 17:49

Coffee shops legally selling cannabis have been a feature of Amsterdam’s streets for more than 30 years, both a magnet for younger tourists and a symbol of the Dutch brand of liberal exceptionalism.

But the fragrant haze found in the city’s 200 or so establishments could be dispersed under plans by the incoming government, which is looking to roll back the “tolerance policy” that has allowed such coffee shops to operate…

Professor Nutt was sacked by the UK government from his job as Chairman of The UK Advisory council on the Misuse of Drugs, previously he had been head of the technical committee. Now he is active with a few fellow scientists in a new grouping which has no official status whatsoever: http://icsdp.org/

Professor Nutt was given £400K in funding from a London City Trader to set up the ICSDP after he was sacked from his government appointment.

Today he has a Lancet letter published, explained here: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Drinking-Alcohol-Is-More-Harmful-Than-Drugs-According-To-A-New-Study-Published-In-The-Journal/Article/201011115788906?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_3

The claim is that alcohol, causes more harm than…