There needs to be a serious conversation on the regulation of cannabis in Ireland.
That's according to an opposition TD.
A new report from the College of Psychiatrists has been published today.
They found that hospital admissions for young people due to a cannabis-related diagnosis have quadrupled in a 12 year period.
The report by the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland in regards to the effects of cannabis use of 15 to 34 years old is concerning. In recent years the potency of cannabis has changed considerable. However, this exists in the vacuum of prohibition and the lack of regulation.
— Gino Kenny TD (@Ginosocialist) May 4, 2021
One In Three Likely To Become Addicted From Regular Use
This study from the College of Psychiatrists has produced eye-opening findings.
So that's including the impact of cannabis on the mental health of children.
It found one in three young people are likely to become addicted to cannabis if it's consumed weekly or more often.
Mental health issues associated with it include psychosis, depression and self-harm.
Dr Gerry McCarney is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist.
He says it has the potential to overrun services:
"The younger you start the bigger the impact."
"Physically and then of course from the point of view of emotional, social and psychological development."
"So all of this is impacted by early cannabis use."
Increasing Potency In Recent Years
One of the concerns raised is the rising potency of the drug in recent years.
People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny says we badly need to have a national conversation to regulate cannabis.
"That's regulated by other forces, and those other forces are usually the black market."
Additionally, he says, "we need more control and more regulation," on cannabis use.
The College of Psychiatrists is calling on the government to initiate a public awareness campaign on the dangers of the drug.
