Why cannabis is far from harmless

PAT LEAHY’S letter (‘Only criminals gain from drugs ban,’ Irish Examiner, February 13) would appear to have been inspired more by personal opinion than medical and scientific facts.

Frequent use of cannabis has been linked to high rates of anxiety and depression in cross-sectional surveys.

Cannabis smokers have a heightened risk of lung infection. Long-term use increases the risk of chronic coughing, bronchitis and emphysema, together with cancer of the head, neck and lungs. For those reasons alone, like smoking, it should be discouraged.

American research reveals that young people who use cannabis on a weekly basis are four times more likely to engage in violence than non-users.

Mr Leahy’s claim that the vast majority of recreational users do not suffer adverse consequences is disingenuous.

Out of a total of seven million people in America diagnosed as suffering from drug misuse, 60% were dependent on cannabis. Of all those between the ages of 12 and 17 in drug treatment during the year 2000, 62% had a primary cannabis diagnosis.

These facts, together with numerous others and supporting references, can be found on www.health-concern.com.

If Mr Leahy has access to the British Medical Journal, he will find that more and more evidence of the mental problems caused by cannabis use is emerging. If he does not have such access, I will be happy to provide the evidence of the links between cannabis and mental illness, which of course includes severe anxiety disorders and depression.

Research emerging from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and the Mountain Manor Treatment Centre, Baltimore, indicates that consumers of cannabis and alcohol have high rates of psychiatric comorbidity (two or more psychiatric conditions).

This evidence contrasts with the commonly held notion that isolated cannabis or alcohol use disorders have benign implications.

Peter O’Loughlin

Addictions Counsellor

Eden Lodge Practice

Beckenham BR3 3AT

London