Mental disorders link to cannabis

Doctors in the United Kingdom have linked cannabis use with increasing rates of depression, psychosis and schizophrenia.

The Royal College of General Practitioners has warned that greater acceptance of the use of cannabis and stronger forms of cannabis were the cause of the mental disorders.

The college warned that health warnings are falling on deaf ears especially for teenagers who are physically and mentally still developing.

Genetically modified form of cannabis, called skunk, are not only causing the psychosis, depression and schizophrenia but also respiratory conditions like asthma.

(Source: United Press International, 16 January 2005)

A recently published study has revealed that smoking cannabis once or twice a week DOUBLED the risk of developing psychotic symptoms later in life.

A spokesman for Kings College, London has disclosed that doctors have been aware of the link between cannabis use and psychosis for more than 20 years.

(Source: British Medical Journal, January 2005)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-

Australia Federal Police have warned that highly toxic forms of cannabis called skunk are available in Australia.

Australias key drug policy objective must be to reduce the pool of users of illicit drugs.

Australia must use its courts to divert users into detoxification then rehabilitation to get them drug free.