News > The dangers of cannabis

Created: 2009-11-18 18:12:43

SANE believes the messages about cannabis coming out of the current debate surrounding drugs classification, science and policy can only further confuse the significant minority who do not know they are vulnerable and who, by taking the drug, may develop lasting mental illness.

There is mounting evidence that use of cannabis can increase the risk of psychotic breakdown. Yet SANE's concern is not simply with the science, but with the, often hidden, collateral damage to individuals and families. The regular use of cannabis can kill young people's motivation, their relationships, job prospects and life chances, aside from the destructive and heartbreaking effects on family life.

It is these real, human factors that should not be lost in the continuing debate about the best ways to deal with the risks that cannabis poses.

Click here to see SANE's evidence to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs