NOTE: Read the definitions under “Background” below the questions.

1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. a) What did the study conclude about the numbers of people in Britain living with conditions involving hallucinations and paranoid episodes?
b) How does more frequent use of high-potency cannabis (skunk) affect a person, according to researchers?
c) How does a marijuana user’s age increase the risk to the user, according to researchers?

3. If use of cannabis (marijuana) in Britain has fallen 40% in the past 10 years, why is it a bigger problem now than it was a decade ago?

4. What conclusion do the researchers make at the end of the report? (see para. 16-17)

5. What does Prof Sir Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research at King’s College, say about 25% of people who develop psychosis?

6. Re-read para. 20-26. Read the definitions under “Background” below the questions. Do you think this knowledge would cause most teens to choose not to use marijuana? Explain your answer.

7. Considering the results of this research study, do you think there is any valid reason for a state or country to legalize recreational marijuana use?