Confused about cannabis?

[Felix the Cat]

Confused about cannabis? (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=P8&xml=/health/2006/01/06/hcann06.xml)

Dr Zerrin Atakan, lead consultant psychiatrist at the National Psychosis Unit at Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent

"Every day I see the results of confusion about cannabis, and I worry that there is a misguided perception among young people that it is harmless. This is simply not the case. Studies show that cannabis use in under-18s can be harmful to the brain, which continues to develop through teenage years.

"Research also suggests that early smokers of cannabis are among the most at-risk groups. I see people who smoke regularly from the age of 12. In those who are genetically predisposed to psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia, early smoking of the drug can increase the risk of psychosis later in life by three to six times.

"Even though this happens in a minority of people, cannabis use seems to induce problems where before there were none.

"It is important to remember that these numbers are small, but parents should also be aware that some varieties of cannabis, particularly skunk and cheese, contain much higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol [THC], the active chemical.

"Much of this information was available when the drug was declassified in 2004, so I find it hard to understand why the Government seems to be making a U-turn.

"I don't believe upgrading the drug will make a great deal of difference, but we need to make people much more aware of the risks."

[Cyber Hostility]

That's why I'm fucking crazy now...

So what do I need to smoke to regain my sanity?

[Petyr Baelish]

Studies show that cannabis use in under-18s can be harmful to the brain, which continues to develop through teenage years.

Studies also show that amphetamines are highly toxic to dopaminergic (and, to a lesser extent, serotonergic) neurons, at any age, but that doesn't stop doctors from routinely prescribing amphetamine and methamphetamine to children as young as six. Nobody claims that cannabis is a "100% safe" substance, but it can be said for certain, and without any hyperbole, that it is quite literally the safest drug known to man (the hysterics of Reefer Madness fanatics notwithstanding).

[Starr]

In those who are genetically predisposed to psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia, early smoking of the drug can increase the risk of psychosis later in life by three to six times.

there are always other possibilities. There can be many that are predisposed to psychotic conditions that may never develop the actual condition. Maybe among the ones that are predisposed, the ones that are going to actually become psychotic are also going to be more likely to use the drug in the first place. Which could say the psychosis might not have much to do with the actual drug use and effects of it. They may even start to use it because it makes them feel good or possibly may help with some of the earliest symptoms.