Cannabis Psychosis: User Stories & Treatment Clinic
Here’s a breakdown of the key points from the provided text, focusing on the concerns raised about cannabis use:
* Rising Potency: The article highlights a notable increase in the potency of cannabis available, particularly in London. Forty years ago, cannabis typically contained 3% THC, while now, “skunk-like” cannabis with 14-16% THC dominates the market (94% of the street market). Users report difficulty finding lower-potency options.
* potential Epidemic of Psychosis: Experts, including Professor Sir Robin Murray, believe the increased potency is leading to a rise in psychosis. He draws a parallel to the early warnings about fast food and obesity leading to diabetes,suggesting the cannabis situation is similarly underestimated.
* Increased Paranoia: Beyond psychosis, the article notes an increase in lower-level paranoia among heavy cannabis users, leading to interpersonal conflicts.
* Self-Medication & Mental Health: The story of Katie, who began using cannabis at age 8 and was a daily user by 12, illustrates how cannabis can be used for self-medication, but also how it can be linked to serious mental health issues like hearing intrusive, commanding voices urging self-harm or violence.
* Difficulty Accessing Lower Potency: Patients are finding it difficult to access lower potency cannabis even if thay want to.
In essence,the article presents a growing concern that the increased potency of modern cannabis is contributing to a rise in mental health problems,particularly psychosis and paranoia,and that this issue is not being taken seriously enough.