ANOTHER STIGMA

MEDIA reports have linked the use of cannabis with the onset of
schizophrenia. The prevalence of schizophrenia is usually about one to 2
per cent of the population. The prevalence of a cannabis-use induced
schizophrenia is only a fraction of that 2 per cent.

The symptoms of schizophrenia usually develop over months, if not
years. In this time before they are correctly diagnosed, the person can
discover that the use of alcohol can reduce or numb the symptoms. Others
find that prescription tranquillisers do the same. Some use cannabis to
self-medicate against the schizophrenic symptoms.

When the schizophrenia becomes obvious it is easy to concludee that the
cannabis caused the schizophrenia. It would be easy for a new stigma to
evolve about schizophrenia. People could start to think that "the person
brought it on themselves because they smoked too much grass". The last
thing this group of very ill people need is an extra stigma.

TONY WHITE, North Perth (psychologist)