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Dept of Health

Answer

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of (a) research linking the regular consumption of cannabis with schizophrenia and (b) the effects of cannabis use on schizophrenia sufferers; and if he will make a statement; [184428] (2) if his Department will commission further research into (a) the possible link between the regular smoking of cannabis with schizophrenia and (b) the effects of cannabis on schizophrenia sufferers; and if he will make a statement. [184429] Miss Melanie Johnson: A number of recent Department funded policy research projects have been completed that have contributed to informing the Department's assessment on the scale and impact of the use of cannabis in those with mental health problems. The Department has kept under review the national and international epidemiological and other research on these topics and has obtained expert advice on interpreting the research base. The Department has no plans at present to commission further research into the possible link between the regular smoking of cannabis with schizophrenia. The Department has recently commissioned, jointly with the Medical Research Council, a multi-site, randomised controlled trial, "Evaluating a Psychological Intervention for clients with Schizophrenia and Co-morbid Substance Abuse". The Department is also currently considering commissioning additional work in this area. The Department also monitors national and international research and has a range of expert advisers to inform policy.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

424 c366-7W; 184428;184429

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Cannabis Misuse Research Schizophrenia

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk