National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Chairman Prof. Samadhi Rajapaksa said using cannabis causes severe health hazards and therefore authorities should not allow the cultivation of this plant in the country.
In an interview with the Daily News, Prof. Rajapaksa using his vast medical experience, said cannabis could be regarded as an intoxicating plant.
He said as an initial step, the authorities should identify the places where cannabis is grown in the country and how it is distributed.
Prof. Rajapaksa said this plant should never be cultivated in Sri Lanka to protect our younger generation.
He said as the NATA Chairman, he rejected usage of not only cannabis, but also of cigarettes and alcohol.
“According to World Health Organization (WHO) reports, thousands of people die every year due to smoking tobacco and also using alcohol,” he said.
He also made a request to all Sri Lankans to refrain from smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products and also consuming alcohol.
Prof. Rajapaksa also admired the decision taken by the King of Bhutan to ban using tobacco products in that country.
The NATA Chairman welcomed the decision taken by the Government to increase the prices of cigarettes and alcohol since it helps to reduce consumption.
He said a price formula on cigarettes and alcohol should be brought before the Cabinet as early as possible since it will immensely help to reduce the consumption of cigarettes and alcohol.
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