I am not a “grumpy old man” on the cannabis front but having seen so many lose their minds through the 1970s and watched the “green-movement” political wave, I am now more concerned that we need all discussion out of the political arena. Please research this yourself in JAMA and LANCET with a “Cannabis Use” search. Forget the “educators” and “influencers” who just want to make money by talking rubbish continually, get the sobering and concerning research facts.

Cannabis use and mental health

The latest research, based on analysis of significant numbers of young people in Europe is disturbing to say the least. With a total number of 463,396 participants the stats indicate a significant risk factor for development of psychosis for adolescents using cannabis daily, with that risk almost doubling with higher THC levels of cannabis. The risk of developing major mood disorders also was significant for all those using cannabis.  As I look at the results of these articles and earlier ones, I believe the day for “educated drug use” is over.  We need to simply tell the truth to young people – whether they hear it or not. Darwinism applies – “survival of the fittest” – smartest – no effort spent on the foolish. But we must tell them they are making “bad” and “dangerous” choices if they use this and other illicit drugs.

It is flavour of the month to say that “young people will do it anyway”, and so we just need to minimize the harm, but the stats and the facts behind them indicate that any level of illicit drug use is potentially harmful to long term mental health and I believe we need more relaxed, Darwinian non-moral-outrage based straight talking.  Forget the RIP Tee-shirts, for those dying are soon forgotten by the activists who have no concern for those who die.

All illicit drug taking is dumb, dangerous and deadly.

We need to keep these substances “illegal”.

I am used to facing this with the athletes at the “Sports Academies” where we simply advise them that drug use will end their professional career and will ruin their mental health, and we bluntly tell them, if they want paranoia, anxiety or depression just go out there and take drugs this weekend. They “get it”! If you wouldn’t share a sandwich with the drug dealer then what are you doing taking something their associates have “made”. These people are not known for their cleanliness or quality control. No surprises that the “peptide drugs” being sold by internet are mainly other things…  The drug world doesn’t respond to regulation, and the American States that deregulate have discovered their rules don’t change anything and the illegal marketing grows – it doesn’t disappear!

The drug world takes no prisoners and there are few old drug takers around who are undamaged.  As my old uncle said to us as boys – “Boys, if you do dumb shit, you will be dead shit, and people will simply say tough shit and forget you”.  Thank you Uncle… Personally, I find youth gets that message. Its “Do Good”, not “feel good” that is the message that right now needs to be cried from the rooftops.