Regular cannabis users are at greater risk of developing mental illness later in life, according to research.
One study found that the risk was seven times higher for heavy users, said Professor Robin Murray of the Institute of Psychiatry in London.
Speaking at the Royal College of Psychiatrists' annual conference in Edinburgh, he said: "In the last 18 months a number of studies have confirmed that cannabis consumption acts to increase later risk of schizophrenia. This research must not be ignored."
The findings come as the Government prepares to downgrade cannabis from a Class B to Class C drug next year.
Most people caught in possession of a small amount will have the drugs confiscated and receive a reprimand or warning, the Home Office has said.
According to a Government fact sheet, cannabis "can cause psychotic reactions amongst individuals with mental health problems", but it does not suggest use of the drug can prompt those problems.
For his study, Professor Murray reviewed research in Sweden, Holland and New Zealand.
A recent Dutch study of 4,000 people in the general population showed that those taking large amounts of cannabis were almost seven times more likely to have psychotic symptoms three years later.
Another study, in 1987, of 50,000 Swedish Army conscripts, found that those who admitted at age 18 to having taken cannabis on more than 50 occasions, were six times more likely to develop schizophrenia in the following 15 years.
Professor Murray said these findings had been largely ignored.
Story filed: 08:45 Wednesday 2nd July 2003
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_796035.html
* * * * *
Comments by Alan Yusko
Sadly Canada has shown their rejection of the things of God by
legally approving both the sin of sodomy (homosexuality) and by
approving cannabis use. In Canada there is just a small fine
if you are caught with a small portion of the drug. It is
the same type of an offense as jay-walking across a street.
Sadly, this ruling will encourage people to use other types drugs
more frequently.
There are warnings about the use of cannabis which have been totally ignored. People are pleasure seekers and the use of drugs and alcohol gives pleasure to many people as they walk in this world down the broad road to hell. The above article outlines some medical concerns with the use of cannabis. In my opinion, articles like the above will be totally ignored.
Here is an interesting thought. How does the devil blind a person so they cannot see Bible prophecy being fulfilled right in front of them? Or, how are people so blinded that they cannot see their need for the only Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ? Satan has several tools at his disposal. Drug and alcohol use will damage and cloud a person's mind and aid in the blinding process. Another method the devil uses is fornication in all its forms. As people fornicate and violate the moral laws of God, their hearts get harder and they are more blinded to the things of the Lord. The use of drugs or alcohol is very good at breaking down morals and inhibitions where people become willing to engage in sexual sin that they would not normally do.
In the name of pleasure seeking, the lost person has a place for drug use. These poor people reach out and try to enjoy life while living in rejection of the Lord Jesus. As they seek pleasure through sin it will slowly destroy their body. The drugs and alcohol will damage the physical and mental state of the person. The sexual fornication will open the door to all kinds of deadly life threatening types of sexual diseases.
The lost person has a short life here on earth and he tries to fill it with as much enjoyment as possible. Drugs and fornication offer a form of pleasure that also blinds the person to their eternally lost spiritual condition. Others blindly seek money and wealth. The end result is the same! A lost eternity without the Lord Jesus!
Mark 8
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul?
37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words
in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the
Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father
with the holy angels.
Click YOUR back button.... or click here:... RETURN