Mental Health Charity Calls for Cannabis Probe

2005-01-30T10:56:00.000-08:00

LONDON (Reuters) - A British health charity called on Saturday for an investigation into evidence that smoking cannabis may cause psychosis in people at risk of mental illness.
Rethink, which campaigns on behalf of schizophrenia sufferers, said the mental health risks of using cannabis were not widely understood.
"There is strong evidence from a wide range of sources that long term and short-term use of cannabis can 'trigger' a psychotic episode of schizophrenia in people who are at high risk of developing schizophrenia --- for instance, people who have close family members who have schizophrenia," it said in a statement.
The organization pointed out that it was a year since the government reclassified cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug, adding that a government awareness campaign that followed ignored the mental health dangers of using the drug.
"There is a general consensus that long-term, and in some cases short-term, use of cannabis by someone who has schizophrenia worsens the psychotic symptoms of the illness -- paranoia, hallucinations and delusions," it said.
The charity added that it believed many young people viewed cannabis as a risk-free drug.
"A long-term, well-funded, innovative campaign aimed at publicizing the real mental health risks associated with cannabis needs to be in place as soon as possible to counter the 'risk-free' message," the statement said.
"Rethink is asking MPs and Peers to support further research into the links between cannabis and severe mental illness that focuses on its widespread use among young people, the increasing strength of cannabis on sale on the streets and its short and long-term effects on mental health."

Jackson Condemns Leaks, Predicts Acquittal

2005-01-30T10:46:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES - Michael Jackson (news) on Sunday condemned recent media leaks in his child molestation case as "disgusting and false," predicting on the eve of his trial that he would be acquitted.
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Slideshow: Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson Releases Video Statement(AP Video)

"In the last few weeks, a large amount of ugly, malicious information has been released into the media about me," the singer said in a court-approved video statement released on his Web site. "The information is disgusting and false.
Jackson said he helps thousands of children and allowed the accuser into his Neverland Ranch only after the boy's family said he was battling cancer and needed help.
"I never intend to place myself in so vulnerable a position ever again. I love my community and I have great faith in our justice system. Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court," said Jackson, who wore a blue shirt and looked directly into the camera.
"I deserve a fair trial like every other American citizen. I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told," he added.
Graphic details of grand jury testimony were leaked earlier this month to thesmokinggun.com and ABC News despite the efforts of Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville to keep the 1,900 page transcript secret.
The source of the leaks remains the subject of speculation. The prosecution has not commented on the leaks, but Santa Barbara County sheriff's investigators have denied they were responsible.
Melville said Friday he will release the grand jury transcripts and other sealed material once a jury is seated.
Jury selection was set to begin Monday and could last a month as lawyers screen as many as 750 prospective jurors. The trial itself could take five more months.
Jackson, 46, was indicted last April on charges of molesting a boy and conspiracy involving child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. Some counts accuse him of administering alcohol to further child molestation.

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Mental Health Charity Calls for Cannabis Probe

Jackson Condemns Leaks, Predicts Acquittal