Cannabis: scientists call for action amid mental health concerns

The Guardian ^ | Friday 15 April 2016 | Ian Sample Science editor

[familyop]

The call for action from scientists in the UK, US, Europe and Australia reflects a growing consensus among experts that frequent cannabis use can increase the risk of psychosis...In the UK, cannabis is the most popular illegal drug, and according to Public Health England data, more young people enter treatment centres for help with cannabis than any other drug, alcohol included.

[dp0622]

We’ve forgotten to look into the essential question about whether an item can be a good medicine even if some people use it for bad purposes...

that’s a REALLY important question.

I’m an open book. I was abusing the klonopin for a few months and running out a week early. then having severe withdrawals.

the med was NOT given to help me escape my problems, it was to help me stop having tremors and spasms that hurt!!

now, wife has to give me two a day like a ten year old, as embarrassing as that is. And it’s doing exactly what it was supposed to do.

And I will NEVER pay 10 bucks a pill on the street. So no worries there!!!

Very disappointed in myself though.

[Art in Idaho]

This is what I've seen clinically with heavy pot smokers. First, it affects their entire personality. They tend to adopt the 'punk' anti-establisment emo way of relating.

Second, yes, in susceptible individuals, it can produce psychosis, have seen lots of that. The 60's pot is a thing of the past. Dosage concentration is much higher now plus there's the whole new problem of synthetic pot.

Third, I don't care what anyone says, it certainly is the 'gateway' drug and people are always curious to 'try something else'.

Fourth, the biggest personality change is how it affects Motivation. That's both clinically and by user reports. "Man, I just just don't feel like doing anything. I can't start and finish things."

Fifth, Of course, all of the above affects job performance, lateness, concentration, motivation at work and overall performance. Then they lose the job and things spiral downward, interpersonal, finances, marriages, kids, etc.

The overall socioeconomic cost of pot. Family, society, medical costs and accidents, industrial and at home.

I think states that are considering legalizing pot need to take a good long hard look at the experiences in Colorado and Washington. Ask any cop in Washington and Colorado. Accidents are up as are other drug offenses. I heard 50% of drivers are either high on alcohol or would test positive for pot. Drive defensively!

[pfflier]

I can see the “scientists” that oppose the pot consensus...”Duude..bogus man”.

[familyop]

"This explains all the weirdness going on in academia right now."

Probably much of it, yes. Also, in police agencies and National Guard units, leaders should more closely watch those who dip or chew tobacco. Some of them tend to be the more "political," overly socially adept and sly dope smokers, and they will eventually bring expen$ive trouble to your offices.

[mountn man]

Why do you think they call it Dope?

[jessduntno]

“Everyone knows that smoking dope isn’t addictive...”

Is that why they call it “chronic?”

[Chuckster]

Mini skirts will make your knees fat. I learned that in High School.

[pfflier]

I could spot a pot smoker at work within an hour or two. Mostly for the reasons you laid out. If I ever wanted an update on any conspiracy theory they were my source.

[familyop]

"One need look no further than Colorado for the impact of chronic pot use"

Yes, ground zero here. That's why I posted the following public service announcement (some public corruption in sneaky individuals here and there).

In police agencies and National Guard units, leaders should more closely watch those who dip snuff (tobacco) or chew tobacco. Some of them tend to be the more "political," overly socially adept and sly dope smokers, and they will eventually bring expen$ive trouble to your offices.

I'm not so much anti-tobacco, but those are observations I made from the inside of the National Guard (light combat unit, even) and police departments. Colorado sheriffs, check your personnel out more closely.

[steve86]

I don’t know why you are disappointed in yourself. It would take super self discipline and self control to not elevate the dosage or frequency of klonopin at some point ..
Sounds like a good plan with the wife dispensing.

[SandRat]

We thought that when we went to College in the 60s.

[driftless2]

Two of my six siblings were heavy MJ users in their youths. One continued on into adulthood with heavy use. Both had major temper and behavioral problems. One went off the drug and turned his life around. The one that continued using the drug heavily had a problem with making lasting relationships and getting along with some of her siblings.

They didn't go completely crazy, and it's difficult to say the drug made them act hostile and difficult. But pot proponents claim the drug calms people down. It sure didn't calm down my two pot-using siblings.

By the way, I'm not against legalizing pot. I'm just quite aware that it's not harmless.

[Obadiah]

Ah, Dave’s not here, man.

[dfwgator]

"I won't go Schizo, will I?"
"It's a distinct possibility."

[Art in Idaho]

I could spot a pot smoker at work within an hour or two.

Interesting. I remember seeing that guy on Pawn Stars and I went "Okaay". .

[dp0622]

Thanks.

The sometimes hopelessness of the injury itself at the time is what drove me to taking extra. self pity thrown in too.

Many people take benzos without taking too much.

But it is what it is and the wife thing is working out.

[familyop]

"disclaimer: i’m on klonopin to calm tremors and spasms caused by head injury and it works very well. only thing that has."

Many potheads would love to get their hands on some of that.

[Obadiah]

[Bob434]

yep- i knew someone who smoked it like it was going out of style- and they began flipping out- thinking they had actually dies and this was hell, and people were demons etc- They quit years ago and are normal now- - they attribute the psychosis to pot- of course this is just an anecdotal circumstance, and not proof- but it certainly fits what is being claimed-

[dp0622]

been offered 600 for 4 dollar script. Said no.

I did take 6mgs at once one time. It felt great.

Like I said in another post, running out a week early felt horrific!!!!

now wife gives them to me daily, like I said, and they work for what they were supposed to work for.

no highs. Just relaxed tremors and spasms.

Scary how good a high dose can make you feel.