Report highlights danger of Irish-grown cannabis

A new report out today says Irish-grown cannabis has stronger potency than the imported variety, and it is therefore more likely to cause psychotic episodes.

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs is publishing today's study, which shows that cannabis grown in Ireland is particularly potent because it is bred indoors, and it is genetically engineered to be stronger.

This gives rise to high levels of THC, which has been linked to psychotic episodes in users.

Conversely, the presence of high levels of THC also results in low levels of CBD, something which works to protect the user's brain from the effects of THC.

The NACD says there is growing concern about rising THC levels particularly in herbal cannabis of the ‘Skunk’ or ‘Weed’ variety.

The group has pointed to the seizure by Gardaí of some 20,000 plants from Irish growhouses as a positive development, but they have warned the number of cultivation plants is on the increase.