Study shows that 24 per cent of new psychosis cases is as a result of smoking potent cannabis (Skunk).   

King’s College, London’s research carried out by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience on 780 persons, suggests that the risk of psychosis develops more, as a result of high consumption of potent cannabis (skunk).

A spokesperson for the research group said the report underlines why cannabis is illegal.

Scientists found the risk of psychosis was five times higher for those who use it regularly compared to non-users.

The scientists also concluded that the use of hash, a milder form of the drug, was not associated with increasing the risk of psychosis.

Psychosis refers to delusions or hallucinations that can be present in certain psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Dr Marta Di Forti, lead author on the research, had said that, “compared with those who had never tried cannabis, users of high potency skunk-like cannabis had a threefold increase in risk of psychosis, adding that the result of the test shows the risk in the use of Cannabis depends on the frequency of use and the content,

Dr Di Forti in a radio programme said the availability of skunk-like cannabis was becoming more widespread.

Robin Murray, Professor of Psychiatric Research at King’s, also commented: “This paper suggests that we could prevent almost one quarter of cases of psychosis if no-one smoked high potency cannabis, adding that it could save young patients a lot of suffering and the NHS a lot of money.”