Legalise Cannabis
Alliance: No evidence for mental health risk
Source: Netdoctor.co.uk
Date: March 28 2007
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No empirical evidence exists to link cannabis use to mental health problems, a
spokesperson for the Legalise Cannabis Alliance (LCA) said today.
Alun Buffry said that "anecdotal reports" exist which indicate that a
"small minority" of people who are already disposed to mental illness
may suffer problems from cannabis use.
However, he dismissed the suggestion that chemicals in the drug are dangerous
in and of themselves, pointing out that a pharmaceutical company is using THC
and other substances found in cannabis to produce medicines for multiple
sclerosis and psychiatric problems.
Legalisation of cannabis may actually help protect people at risk, Mr Buffry
proposed.
He said: "Regarding young or other people who develop problems associated
with cannabis use, legalisation would mean less alienation and fear and a
greater openness leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
"Legalisation would lead to greater benefit to people in need through
safer access."
On Sunday, Antonio Costa, the executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and
Crime, warned Britain not to underestimate the dangers of cannabis use.
http://news.netdoctor.co.uk/news_detail.php?id=18102539