A NORTH Wales drug abuse expert believes up to a quarter of people may use cannabis. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Julian Race fears cannabis, which many users say is a "safe" drug, is addictive and leads to the use of heroin and cocaine. Dr Race, who specialises in drug and alcohol abuse treatment with North East Wales NHS Trust, was addressing Rhyl Town Council. In the audience was Jeffrey Ditchfield, cleared at Chester Crown Court of possessing canna-bis with intent to supply at his Beggars Belief shop in Rhyl. He says he will supply the drug for medical purposes to ease pain. Dr Race, who outlined the physical and psychological effects of cannabis on users, said although he had found it difficult to believe at first, he accepted 10%-25% of the population now used the drug. "More and more people are starting to believe that it is addictive, and that is my view. I think it is very addictive," he said. He told councillors the types of cannabis in use today were up to 30 times stronger those used in the 1960s, and four reefers contained as much tar as about 20 ordinary cigarettes. There were also 50% more carcinogens in cannabis than in tobacco so it presented a much greater risk of cancer and bronchitis. But he said while very few people sought help for their addiction to the Class C drug, it often resulted in mental health problems Councillor Diane Hannam said the Government was sending out mixed messages, which could confuse young people. After the meeting Mr Ditchfield, who was refused permission by the mayor, Glyn Williams, to question Dr Race, said he did not accept some of the claims. | 
