Comments on: Royal College Of Psychiatrists “Cannabis and mental health” leaflet – a crtitique

By: Anon

Anon — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:38:26 +0000

I would actually agree with cannabis being linked to depression. It depresses me that I am branded either a criminal or an addict for something as safe and healthy as cannabis.

Additionally, yes, I do make plans to get more of it which occasionally preclude doing other things. I also occasionally go down to the shop to buy things there.

How did 1920s prohibition get broken again? I didn’t study that in history classes.

By: Ex Stoner Bird

Ex Stoner Bird — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:51:45 +0000

Was someone a bit stoned and set the posting system up incorrectly so it now shows my email address even though it says (*private)

Nice touch.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:48:52 +0000

Thanks, of course all the concern about keeping young people safe and this ‘skunk’ thing is all caused by the fact that cannabis is illegal which is so obvious but yet seems to fool so many people. When I looked at talk to frank I was shocked at how deceitful it is and the way it is worded leads me to believe a lot of time (and tax payers money) has gone into feeding us what is in many places total lies.

By: UKCIA

UKCIA — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:32:14 +0000

Hi Aaron

Well, yes, I’m no brain care specialist, but it does seem that the ratio of THC to CBD is the important issue wrt psychosis, not simply the amount of THC alone. This comes from the two “Cannabis and mental health” conferences I attended in London in 2004 and 2007.

Possibly of interest is the research carried out by GW Pharms for their Sativex cannabis medicine, which is a blend of cannabis types so as to give a 50-50 THC/CBD mix.

Indeed, the concern expressed about so-called “skunk” cannabis is that it has very low levels of CBD apparently.

Of course to an extent this is indeed theory, but it’s not “our” theory – ie cannabis law reform campaigners. It is the theory of the Psychiatrists themselves.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:17:29 +0000

I am also disappointed with the lack of detail regarding CBD and THC and am frequently disappointed with the multitude of misinformation produced by our government all the time on cannabis.

I would like to suggest however regarding the possible damage that THC could cause on a developing brain that it may not matter what the THC-CBD levels are in relation to each other because although the relation probably does affect how ‘high’ you get that the possible damage being done may be only be affected by the THC level alone.

Of course this is just a theory much like many of the statements our government produces as fact and I am not an expert on the science involved but I do think it is important that if you are on the side of legalization not to fall to the temptation of making assumptions and contextualizing evidence the way our opposers do.

By: Ian Hamilton

Ian Hamilton — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:56:03 +0000

It is sad to see no detail of the roles of CBD and THC, its a missed opportunity.

By: Blair Anderson

Blair Anderson — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:22:40 +0000

Most every eminent NZ ‘cannabis and mental health’ researcher has no truck with prohibition, a point that was loud and clear at the “Cutting Edge” conference in 2008.

The Royal College Of Psychiatrists has been quite anal in its historical (read hysterical) “Cannabis and mental health” reporting for some time notably for failing to acknowledge ANY appreciation of or research into the settings harms, social, mental or otherwise consequent to the practice of prohibition. For that they loose my respect.

By: Tony

Tony — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:20:49 +0000

A number of the research outcomes this quotes ,are based on studies done in NZ.
I fear , while we might well have some top cannabis researchers who are seldom heard ,we also have some who are the best money can buy..
Even our Govt., research ( ESR )unit has provide DUI cannabis statistics that raises the eyebrows of those more in touch with reality.

I am afraid in NZ the need to attract research grants , usually from those with a vested interest in cannabis remaining as is may well influence outcomes.

tony
nz