CANNABIS: INTO THE UNKNOWN

I write concerning your report 'cannabis far more toxic to the
adolescent brain' (Irish Independent, November 5).

There are ongoing studies at Trinity College, Dublin, on the effects
of cannabis, but none that have studied the effects of cannabis in
adolescents, using brain imaging.

The hypothesis that cannabis may be of particular risk to the
developing adolescent brain is a reasonable one, worth investigating,
but your report erroneously suggests that the research has already
been conducted and the findings known.

As this is an important public health matter, it is essential that
statements regarding deleterious effects of cannabis be guided by
research-based evidence.

Professor Hugh Garavan

Institute Of Neuroscience, Trinity College

Dublin