Fiji's National Substance Abuse Advisory Council has classified yaqona, or kava, as a drug because it says that after consumption, a person feels, thinks, acts and speaks differently.
Fiji Village reports the Council's education officer, Talica Malani, saying that while youngsters are being told to stay away from alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana, many overlook yaqona, thinking it is not really a drug.
The council is currently visiting schools around Fiji creating awareness on drug abuse and violence against girls and women.
