With the ever-growing debate about the legalization of cannabis, doctors are weighing in on this issue. They claim that the government is failing to counteract the ‘relentless pro-cannabis messaging’ in the media, which is having a significant impact on society. In this article, we will explore the arguments made by doctors and their concerns regarding the growing prevalence of cannabis use. Additionally, we will discuss the reasons behind the government’s inability to address this issue effectively and the potential consequences of not taking action.
A group of specialist doctors has accused the Irish Government and Health Service Executive (HSE) of failing to counteract the “relentless pro-cannabis messaging” in the media with factual information on its harms. The specialists, including those in addiction, emergency medicine, psychiatry, neurology, and general practice have claimed that a “huge amount of avoidable misery” is being caused to thousands of people misusing the drug, but the health problems arising from cannabis use “remain ignored”. The group has called for a comprehensive public health campaign, especially amongst people under 25, who they claim are suffering more from cannabis issues than alcohol.
The group has claimed that an estimated 22,000 people have become dependent on cannabis, and record medical and psychiatric hospital admissions related to the drug have been noted in Ireland in 2020, with over 1,000 cases. The public perception of the harms of cannabis is declining despite the evidence of increasing harms. However, the doctors have lamented that there has been little attempt by the government or HSE to counteract the pro-cannabis messaging on social and traditional media.
The doctors have expressed their concerns over the impact of cannabis on young people and their families, with “cannabis problems” evident in every community, from the most affluent to the most deprived. The group has warned that cannabis-impaired drivers, emergency department admissions due to mental and physical effects of cannabis, and adverse effects on young children from heavy parental cannabis use present a major concern. They have further stated that cannabis use is associated with increased risks for psychosis, depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors and worsens outcomes in those with mental disorders.
The group, which includes two former presidents of Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), a former president of the Royal College of Physicians, and the head of the school of medicine at Trinity College Dublin, has expressed disappointment that health problems arising from cannabis use continue to be ignored, despite the evidence of substantial and increasing harms. The doctors have called for renewed priority to the more important issues of prevention and treatment, highlighting that cannabis is a major problem in Ireland and not an in-your-face epidemic like heroin.
While expressing support for the health diversion scheme introduced by the government recently, the doctors have reiterated that nobody should be locked up for “simple drug possession”. Cannabis industry lobbyists in Ireland have been further skewing an already unbalanced public discourse, they claim.
According to addiction specialist Professor Bobby Smyth, cannabis abuse is an insipid, slow, background problem involving young people who are disintegrated in their houses. GP and a former IMO president, Dr. Ray Walley, who sees new cannabis patients almost weekly, have suggested that the state is abrogating its responsibilities to collect reliable data on the problem, while medical bodies are behind the curve in speaking out on cannabis harms. He believes that they are now in the same situation they were 50 years ago with cigarettes, if not worse.
The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use, chaired by former HSE boss Paul Reid, is due to have its first meeting soon. While some have questioned the group’s transparency and operations, the doctors see this as an opportunity to move on from endless conversations about legislation, to give priority to prevention and treatment of cannabis use.
