BBC defends presenter taking drugs on BBC3 show
BBC defends new programme in which presenter takes drugs on camera to demonstrate effects.
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Tuesday, 26, Feb 2008 09:12
The BBC has leapt to the defence of a new programme in which a presenter takes drugs on camera to demonstrate their effects.
In Should I Smoke Dope? - set for broadcast on BBC3 later this year - reporter Nicky Taylor is shown being injected with THC, a chemical component of cannabis at a laboratory at the Institute of Psychiatry.
Taylor is also seen taking drugs in Amsterdam as part of the show for the digital channel, aimed at 16- to 34-year-olds.
However, a BBC spokeswoman has said Taylor's film is intended to highlight the dangers of cannabis use and that the programme had been extensively researched.
She continued: "In the film, Nicky takes a small amount of the drug over a very short period of time in Amsterdam and also takes part in a medical trial held by the Institute of Psychiatry involving THC injections, in order to fully understand the effects of drugs on her body and reflect on this for the benefits of the audience.
"Before taking part, Nicky fully researched the subject and undertook the trials under supervision, with medical advice. Nicky has not suffered any ill effects since filming finished. The film unequivocally highlights the risks of consuming the drug and will be scheduled post-watershed for a BBC3 audience."
Should I Smoke Dope? aims to address the debates surrounding the potential re-classification of cannabis, the growing strength of the drug and its numerous health risks.
The spokeswoman said Taylor is a "critically-acclaimed journalist whose approach involves becoming fully immersed in her subject, in order to highlight the risks of potentially dangerous activities".
"Her previous films for BBC3 have included investigations into plastic surgery - in which she undertook surgery - and binge drinking, in which she drank large amounts of alcohol. Her approach has proved successful in highlighting important health risks with a younger audience."