Changing Law on Cannabis Could Cost NHS

Downgrading cannabis to a class C drug has overlooked the extra burden on health services and the danger posed to young people by the increased strength of the drug, psychiatrists have warned.

They are urging the Government to review the reclassification of cannabis from a class B to class C substance because of "a wealth" of research linking the drug to psychosis, violence and psychological impairment.

Doctors at A&E departments are increasingly having to deal with a rising number of youngsters suffering from cannbis related psychosis.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists says it is "very concerned" about the Home Secretary's possible decision not
to reclassify cannabis.

In his recent statement on the US Court Decision on Cannabis use for medical purposes Professor Hamid Ghodse, President of the International Narcotics Control Board, said: "Cannabis is classified under international conventions as a drug with a number of personal and public health problems.

"It is not a 'soft' drug, as some people would have you believe."

The easy availability of the stronger form of cannabis, skunk, is a major area of concern. Cannabis is well known for the psychoactive effects that it has on the brain, and as is the case with all mind altering drugs, there can
be a link with increased violence and impulse control problems.

Psychiatrists and Accident & Emergency staff are increasingly reporting that they are having to treat, or admit to psychiatric wards, more and more young people with cannabis related psychosis.

Research has shown that anyone with a pre existing mental health problem, or who is more vulnerable to mental illness, is at increased risk of psychosis and other mental illnesses such as depression, if they use cannabis.

Cannabis has been shown to produce a short term toxic state, in which symptoms similar to schizophrenia are experienced, ranging from paranoid delusions to abnormal perceptions of reality.

Acute cannabis intoxification can also lead to short term memory loss, as well as to poor coordination and learning.

There is evidence that the use of cannabis increases the risk of road traffic accidents, including fatal ones. In one UK study of fatal road accidents, no alcohol was detected and 80% of fatalities tested positive for cannabis at postmortem.

The risks are particularly worrying with the young who are more vulnerable to its damaging effects. Moreover, there is overwhelming evidence that exposure of the unborn child to cannabis is associated with significant cognitive impairment, and behavioural and emotional problems in childhood and adolescence.

Added Professor Ghodse: "Some countries with a more liberal policy towards cannabis, such as Holland, are reviewing their position. Governments need to take a strong stance towards cannabis abuse."

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