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Super-Strength Cannabis Prescribed for Mental Health Woes
10 Jan
Summary
- Private clinics dispense high-strength cannabis for mental health conditions.
- Prescription volumes increased significantly from 2023 to 2024.
- Experts warn of increased dependence and psychiatric side-effects.
Thousands of Britons are now receiving super-strength cannabis prescriptions from private clinics for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. This practice occurs despite strong warnings from the NHS regarding the increased risk of severe mental health problems associated with marijuana use. Private clinics are prescribing nearly all of the medical cannabis in Britain, exploiting loopholes that allow for the distribution of unlicensed products.
The volume of prescribed cannabis has seen a substantial rise, with nearly ten tons dispensed in 2024, a significant increase from 2023. Experts, including Professor Sir Robin Murray, have voiced serious concerns, calling the situation 'outrageous' and highlighting the potential for increased dependence and psychiatric side-effects. He likens the practice to using alcohol for depression, noting short-term relief but long-term worsening.
