Although cannabis use is associated with psychosis and schizophrenia, drug prevention remains underrepresented in political discussions on mental health. Yet, during a European Parliament discussion held in connection with the Mental Health Day, the mental health consequences of cannabis and emerging synthetic drugs finally received its overdue attention and policy discussion.
The link between cannabis use and psychosis is well established in research and among medical professionals. Cannabis use can cause or exacerbate mental health problems, including psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia. The risks are greater with early initiation, frequent use and high-potency products, but apply to all kinds of cannabis use.
The mental health discussion in the European Parliament on the 15th of October thus marked a welcome recognition of an issue that has for too long been overlooked in mental health policy: the psychiatric harms associated with illicit drug use. In connection with World Mental Health Day, MEP Aurelijus Veryga raised concerns about the connection between cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids and acute psychotic episodes in the EU.
Professor Martina Rojnic Kuzman of the European Psychiatric Association highlighted the association between cannabis use and psychosis, as well as the severe clinical consequences that can arise from emerging synthetic substances and combinations of drugs. The exchange brought drug prevention into a broader conversation about mental health at a time when its role deserves greater political attention.
EURAD asserts that drug prevention must be recognised as an integral part of mental health policy. The mental health harms associated with cannabis and other drugs, well recognised in clinical practice and scientific research, warrant further political attention and action, particularly to protect young people.
Watch the discussion in the European Parliament’s SANT Committee meeting recording. MEP Aurelijus Veryga’s question is available from 11:31:35 to 11:33:10, followed by Professor Martina Rojnic Kuzman’s response from 11:34:00 to 11:35:57.