Cannabis - What are the real risks?

Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.From interpreting the evidence it can be demonstrated that cannabis, as well as being considered as a risk factor for developing schizophrenia, causes other significant harms to individuals and society. It is not only us as the health care and public health professionals who are concerned about the adverse effects of cannabis; long-term users share the worry, too. The impact of cannabis use in a society has far-reaching consequences than merely the health of individual users; it is a public health concern. When considering the effects of cannabis on the social, behavioural and educational aspects of a users' life, it becomes evident that it affects the wider determinants of health. Any young person who happens to be using cannabis under the false illusion of "recreational activities" and who, as a result, does not achieve his or her potential in life will be a loss to society as a whole. Therefore we believe a clear public health strategy on reducing cannabis use and its harmful effects is urgently required.Peer reviewe