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Cannabidiol

Cannabis Use in Adolescence Linked to Increased Risk of Psychosis and Mental Health Issues

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Cannabis has been incorrectly perceived as a safe substance for young people, but its use in adolescence can have long-lasting and severe effects on mental health. Dr. Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, warns that cannabis can increase the risk of psychosis and other mental health issues in adulthood. A staggering 2.3 million people in England and Wales used cannabis in the year leading up to March 2024, with research suggesting that adolescents who use cannabis are 11 times more likely to experience a psychotic episode as an adult.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, warns that cannabis use in adolescence can lead to long-term mental health issues, including psychosis.
  • Cannabis is the most consumed illegal drug in England and Wales, with 2.3 million people using it in the year leading up to March 2024.
  • Adolescents who use cannabis are 11 times more likely to experience a psychotic episode as an adult, according to research published last year.
  • High-strength cannabis, which contains high levels of THC, is linked to increased rates of psychosis and other mental health issues.
  • 97% of patients in Dr. Smith's service have a substance-abuse problem, with high-strength cannabis as the main drug of choice.
  • Cannabis can alter the brain's reward and mood-regulating systems, leading to feelings of low motivation and fatigue.
  • The use of cannabis-based medicines, which include CBD, should face further scrutiny, according to Dr. Smith.
  • Separate studies have indicated that cannabis can negatively affect female fertility and lead to increased levels of paranoia.
  • Society must be more aware of the substantial evidence on cannabis harms and correct the widespread misapprehension that it is not an addictive substance.

Statistics:

  • 2.3 million people in England and Wales used cannabis in the year leading up to March 2024.
  • Adolescents who use cannabis are 11 times more likely to experience a psychotic episode as an adult.
  • 97% of patients in Dr. Smith's service have a substance-abuse problem, with high-strength cannabis as the main drug of choice.
  • Rates of first-episode psychosis are higher in south-east London, where Dr. Smith works, than anywhere else in Europe.
  • 97% of the people who use cannabis in the UK begin with a high-strength cannabis.

Sources:

  • The Sunday Times: Dr. Lade Smith warns that cannabis can increase the risk of psychosis and other mental health issues.
  • The Royal College of Psychiatrists: Dr. Emily Finch speaks about the effects of cannabis on mental health.
  • JAMA Psychiatry: Study finds rates of first-episode psychosis are higher in south-east London than anywhere else in Europe.
  • The UK's Office for National Statistics: Figures show cannabis is the most consumed illegal drug in England and Wales.

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