Cannabis: Did You Know...

[dcentity2000]

That if everyone in the USA smoked five spliffs of cannabis, according to all the best research out there thirty million would be sent packing to the doctors with schizo-affective disorders?

"It has been suggested by the Maudsley Hospital, the Bedlam Hospital and the Priory Hospitals of London that one in ten (or over) are liable to develop schizobehavioral disorder or worse after smoking as little as five spliffs up to several years in the past."

Other research indicates very strongly that around 10% of known current scizophrenia cases (excluding other psychotic disorders) are caused by cannabis alone.

Professor Robin Murray, from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, says the myth that cannabis eases mental illness may have worsened the problem.
'The initial view was that these poor souls were suffering hallucinations and other symptoms and if a few puffs of marijuana helped them, why shouldn't we let them,' he said. 'In retrospect, this is rather like an alcoholic feeling bad but having another drink.' Martin Barnes, chief executive of information charity DrugScope, said: 'We need to get across that just because you know people who appear to be okay using cannabis, it doesn't mean they are or it will be okay for you.'

Rich::

 

[chobie]

What the **** is a spliff of cannabis?

 

[msdznyduck]

What the **** is a spliff of cannabis?

My question, exactly what is a spliff??

 

[disneydragon]

He's referring to a joint of marijuana.

 

[denisem]

...but sales of twinkies and cheetos would skyrocket!

 

[phillybeth]

Does marijuana CAUSE the schizophrenia, or are people with undiagnosed schizophrenia choosing to self-medicate with marijuana? I seriously doubt that 10% of the country would become schizophrenic from smoking a few joints. I know a lot of people who have or are getting high, and none of them are schizophrenic.

 

[dcentity2000]

Does marijuana CAUSE the schizophrenia, or are people with undiagnosed schizophrenia choosing to self-medicate with marijuana? I seriously doubt that 10% of the country would become schizophrenic from smoking a few joints. I know a lot of people who have or are getting high, and none of them are schizophrenic.

Marijuana causes it in people who otherwise would not contract it.

Remember, the psychiatric illness can strike many, many years after smoking it, so you're not safe yet! One in ten people, excluding the usual 1.1% or people who become schizophrenic anyway. I've seen the wards and met the patients.

And remember, schizo-affective disorder is a very wide ranging thing and sometimes is so subtle that the patient never reports it - although they do most often end up on anti-depressants and quite heavy ones (Source: London Priory and Maudsley Hospitals).

One in ten.



Rich::

 

[Topper]

hmmm.....I may need to do some research.......

 

[msdznyduck]

My question, exactly what is a spliff??

Okay then...........five at one time? I would think the # of schizophrenics would be higher.

 

[dcentity2000]

The number of pure schizophrenics is higher than it should be, but only just in the USA.

Cannabis only produces pure, unbridled schizophrenia in about 1.7-2% of all smokers (60-70% above average) so pure cases aren't so common as schizo-behavioral disorder, a more subtle and difficult to diagnose illness.

Ironically, the source of that information is the health bodies in Holland



Rich::

 

[MrsKreamer]

From what I understand people with latent schizophrenia(genetically have it but may or may not show symptoms) have a higher tendency to develop symptoms if they do drugs, including marijuana. I have actually witnessed this. I dear friend of mine is starting to show symptoms of schizophrenia(which runs in her family) after prolonged use of marijuana. It may just be the timing though.

 

[dcentity2000]

[EDIT]: Deleted because I wasn't comfortable saying that in retrospect.



Rich::

 

[phillybeth]

Marijuana causes it in people who otherwise would not contract it.

Remember, the psychiatric illness can strike many, many years after smoking it, so you're not safe yet! One in ten people, excluding the usual 1.1% or people who become schizophrenic anyway.

Bullcrap, not to put too fine a point on it. Show me REAL studies, not 'suggestions'.

 

[shortbun]

so THAT'S what's wrong with me!
In my day a spliff(pronounced spleef) was a HUGE joint-huge! One would roll a "spleef" with a huge paper and a huge bud. I wonder if there is any research regarding how many people avoided insanity by getting high.
I volunteer, either way.

 

[phillybeth]

There has long been controversy as to whether cannabis use can cause psychiatric problems, and if so, to what extent. The main concerns are that cannabis use can cause or precipitate schizophrenia or "cannabis psychosis".

There are many factors which complicate understanding of this issue. The Canadian Senate report puts them in a nutshell:

"There are three possible ways to account for the relationship between cannabis and mood disorders. First, both may share common risk factors, so that their relationship is not causal. Second, mood disorders may predispose people to use cannabis. Third, cannabis use may trigger or increase depressive symptoms. As yet, there is no clear answer to this question of 'which comes first'."

... We feel that the conclusion of professor [Bernard] Roques’ report ["La dangerosité des drogues", Paris, 1999] agrees best with current data:

[Translation] "No mental pathology directly related to the overuse of cannabis has been reported, which distinguishes this substance from psychostimulants such as MDNA, cocaine or alcohol, heavy and repeated use of which can give rise to characteristic psychotic syndromes. Similarly, cannabis does not seem to precipitate the onset of pre-existing mental dysfunctions (schizophrenia, bipolar depression, etc.)."

 

[Virgo10]

This thread made me hungry.

Roberta

 

[shortbun]

I was thinking popcorn, ice cream, pickles, potato chips, hershey's kisses, orange juice and some dip. Anyone else? I used to eat Screaming Yellow Zonkers! what a memory!

 

[HTH]

 

[DaisyDebbie]

hmmm.....I may need to do some research.......

 

[SillyMe]

This thread made me hungry.

Roberta

...and really thirsty.