November 30, 2009

high-potency cannabis and risk of psychosis

Speakers:
Dr Marta Di Forti, Clinical Lecturer, Institute of Psychiatry and lead author
Prof Robin Murray, Professor of Psychiatric Research, Institute of Psychiatry and co-author
Dr Paul Morrison, clinical research training fellow, MRC
Dr Cathy Fernandes, Research Councils UK Fellow, Institute Of Psychiatry

The British Journal of Psychiatry is publishing new research into the use of high-potency cannabis (skunk) and the risk of psychosis. The study is the first to suggest that the risk of developing psychotic illnesses is greatest among those who are frequent cannabis users, and among those who use skunk rather than traditional hash. The research has important public health implications, given the increased availability and use of high-potency cannabis in the UK, and the researchers came to the SMC to discuss their findings.