18 February 2023 , 18:23
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The number of young cannabis smokers hospitalised with mental health issues linked to their habit has hit a new high.
More than 250 young adults a week are admitted with severe psychological problems triggered by the drug – 80% up on when experts first started keeping a tally in 2013.
In addition, 3,881 children and teens were hospitalised last year with cannabis-related issues.
The figures were uncovered by the Sunday Mirror as fears mount over a more soft-touch approach by some police forces. Nuno Albuquerque, of private specialist UK Addiction Treatment Centres, said: “There’s not enough education around the dangers, especially for young people.
Nuno Albuquerque said there is not enough education around the use of cannabis (UKAT / SWNS)“Using cannabis at a young age is becoming socially normalised yet it can induce mind-altering symptoms.”
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The drug is linked to conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety and psychosis. NHS records include patients with other health issues but where cannabis is a known problem.
David Raynes, of the National Drug Prevention Alliance, added: “Science is linking cannabis to serious birth defects and to testicular cancers.”
Cannabis is now up to 10 times more powerful than in the 1960s.
Most police forces now give under-17s just a warning for possession, with an on-the-spot £90 fine for older users.