ACAN welcomes "The Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address"
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The following is issued on behalf of the Action Committee Against Narcotics:
The Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), Dr Donald Li, welcomed the initiatives on strengthening anti-drug efforts announced in "The Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address" delivered today (October 19) by the Chief Executive, which includes controlling cannabidiol as a dangerous drug, and strengthening services provided for pregnant drug abusers and drug-abusing parents.
Dr Li said, "I welcome the measures in the Policy Address related to strengthening anti-drug efforts and rehabilitation services. In recent years, the number of people abusing cannabis, a dangerous drug, has been increasing worldwide. In addition to the potential of containing harmful substances, cannabidiol (also known as CBD) products may also lower the guard of young people against cannabis. Not only do drugs bring harm to drug abusers, drugs will also ruin their families. I fully endorse the relevant policy measures." He continued, "The Action Committee Against Narcotics will render full support to the Government in strengthening anti-drug efforts and implementation of publicity related to drug problems together with a view to facilitating the community, particularly young people, to understand the harm caused by drugs and the dire consequences of drug trafficking."
Dr Li also welcomed the latest initiatives of the Security Bureau in promoting youth development. "Those youth-related initiatives to be implemented by the Security Bureau will enhance the law-abiding awareness among youths", he added.
The Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation, Professor Cheung Yuet-wah, said, "I am heartened by the Government's commitment in strengthening support to pregnant drug abusers and drug-abusing parents. The enhanced services targeting this specific group would not only benefit the drug abusers themselves, but also their families and children. Indeed, the well-being of children is a great entry point to motivate these drug abusers to quit drugs, and strengthening their parenting capacity can help reduce their risk of relying on drugs. Not only can this measure prevent cross-generation drug abuse, but also help the prevention of other family and children problems. This would be an initiative welcomed by the anti-drug sector as it would bring hope to families, children and youths in need."
Ends/Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:28
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