A few days ago for no obvious reason I was reading the website of the Royal College of Psychiatrists – two million people in the UK smoke cannabis, half of all 16 to 29 year olds have tried it at least o­nce.

There has been much debate about the use of cannabis and its dangers. However there seems to be a growing body of evidence and recent research, which tends to suggest that the use of cannabis can be a major cause of psychotic illnesses especially in those who are genetically vulnerable. This research has strongly suggested that there is a clear link between early cannabis use and later mental health problems and in particular with the use of cannabis by adolescents. It suggests that those who start using cannabis before the age of 15 are 4 times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder by the time they are 26. If this research is correct then a lot of kids are going to need help with mental health issues later in life.

My Dutch friend was a heavy user of cannabis in his youth. In his late 20’s he tried to cut out his tattoos and attempted suicide. o­n more than o­ne occasion he has been hospitalised suffering from serious mental illness including depression and psychosis. For a short time he thought he was Jesus. He has lost his job, his house and his wife.I know he wishes now that he could go back to his youth and follow a different path, make different decisions, but he can’t its too late for him. Its not too late though for many other children in our communities, they still have the time to make the right decision. Its not worth the risk, there is no point in storing up trouble for the future. There are better ways than using cannabis to chill out and relax.

Antony Wiles PC8024 – Borough Green8024@kent.pnn.police.uk