Pubdate: Fri, 23 Jan 2004
Source: Times, The (UK)
Copyright: 2004 Times Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.the-times.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/454
Author: Professor Sir Michael Rawlins

CANNABIS AND MENTAL ILLNESS

Sir, The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) considered in some 
depth possible links between cannabis and mental illness (report, January 
21) and concluded that there is little significant evidence of a causal 
link, particularly with schizophrenia, although cannabis use can 
unquestionably worsen a mental illness which already exists.

Most of Professor Robin Murray's research was known to the advisory council 
at the time it was producing its cannabis report. The council is of the 
view that any new evidence produced since does not affect the overall 
weight of evidence, or its conclusions about health risks.

You quote Professor Murray saying: Unfortunately there were no experts in 
psychosis on the committee that advised the Government,implying that our 
report was not a comprehensive study. ACMD members are drawn from a wide 
range of backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Both the sub-committee meetings of the ACMD, and the full council meetings 
at the time of the discussion on cannabis reclassification, were well 
attended by representatives from the fields of psychiatry and 
psychopharmacology.

As far as I am aware, the BMA has not taken an official position on 
reclassification. However it has raised concerns over the public perception 
of the health effects of cannabis. The classification system for drugs does 
not mean that any of these substances are harmless. If they were, they 
would not be included in the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Yours faithfully, MICHAEL RAWLINS, (Chair), Advisory Council on the Misuse 
of Drugs, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, SW1H 9AT. January 21.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens