EVIDENCE SHOWS HEAVY MARIJUANA USE IMPACTS ON MENTAL HEALTH

Melbourne researchers have found the first strong evidence linking heavy
marijuana use to depression and anxiety.

Researchers at the The Royal Children's Hospital found habitual marijuana
use has profound effects on users' mental health.

The hospital's Professor George Patton says addiction was also identified
as a genuine problem among heavy smokers.

And he says young women are particularly vulnerable to the drug's negative
effects.

"Cannabis use has increased over the past decade, daily use appears to have
increased over the past decade, and it's becoming a lot [more] common in
females," Professor Patton said.

He says if that trend continues, then females are more at risk of mental
health problems.

But cannabis advocates have rejected the findings.

Michael Balderstone from the HEMP Embassy believes many cannabis users use
the drug to try to get rid of their troubles.

"Generally I think that there is a lot of depression around and a lot of
people are not sure - especially young people - where they are going, what
is the future, what's it all about," Mr Balderstone said.

"They are using cannabis to medicate for depression."