EFFECT OF CANNABIS ON MENTAL HEALTH

From Mr Matt Eisenschenk

Sir, Dr Thomas Stuttaford (T2, March 14) writes that "neither tobacco nor
alcohol has the potential for inducing a psychotic breakdown (to all
intents and purposes schizophrenia) in those who are genetically vulnerable".

According to a report by the Royal College of Physicians, alcohol abuse can
cause persistent brain damage. Alcohol can produce permanent and measurable
brain damage in anyone, not only "those who are genetically vulnerable".
Cannabis may be harmful to a very small group of genetically
predispositioned people, but that does not justify its illegality.

In the UK up to ten people die each year from peanut allergies. Should
peanuts be banned?

Yours faithfully, MATT EISENSCHENK, Pullman, Washington

From the Chief Executive of SANE

Sir, The Government is considering downgrading the classification of
cannabis from Class B to Class C. But, as Dr Stuttaford highlighted,
cannabis can pose severe risks for people with schizophrenia. There is
ample evidence that cannabis exacerbates the symptoms of schizophrenia and
can trigger relapse.

It may be possible for the majority to use cannabis without ill effect. But
we see too many people, and hear too many stories from the 1,000 callers a
week to our helpline to know that some who use this so-called harmless drug
can be sent on a devastating and lonely journey of mental disintegration
from which they may never return.

Yours sincerely, MARJORIE WALLACE, Chief Executive, SANE