Pubdate: Tue, 17 Feb 2015
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2015 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300

PSYCHOSIS LINK

Nearly a quarter of new cases of psychosis are linked to high-potency 
"skunk like" cannabis, new British research shows.

People who smoke super-strength cannabis are three times more likely 
to develop psychosis than people who have never tried the drug - and 
five times more likely if they smoke it every day. The study, by 
researchers at King's College London, will fuel calls for politicians 
and public health officials to take a stronger stance against high 
potency cannabis, at a time when many campaigners are arguing for 
marijuana to be legalised.

The researchers say there is an "urgent need" to inform young people 
about the risks of strong cannabis.

Uruguay and Colorado have legalised cannabis use but there is 
mounting evidence that strong types of the drug can trigger mental illness.

The research is published in Lancet Psychiatry. The study found that 
smoking hash, a less potent cannabis, had no association with psychosis.
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