I have now had numerous cases of children addicted to cannabis which has impacted their school and family life in such a way that they seek mental health treatment. This has ranged from severe psychotic reactions to mild cases of addiction and self-treatment. Children are accessing medical cannabis through friends and family and giving it to other kids at school. There is widespread use of medical cannabis by parents of the children I treat. The parents often give children these products due their own experiences.
My opinions have been confirmed by what I see in the clinic and in the larger public. Cannabis should be a legal recreational substance for adults like alcohol. Cannabis is not a recommended medical treatment for psychiatric disorders. Like alcohol, it can be helpful for acute anxiety and depression in adults. Like alcohol it can be overused and create negative consequences. Cannabis should not be given to children for any psychiatric diagnosis. Cannabis is not a treatment for Autism. Cannabis has unpredictable side effects for all individuals. The commercially available products are extremely potent. Cannabis delivered through vape cartridge is powerfully addictive. Like alcohol, children can not moderate their consumption of cannabis when they have free access to it.
No comments:
Post a Comment