The DZPG emphasizes the need for comprehensive medical-scientific advice and support for the political decision to legalize cannabis in view of the high health risks associated with its use. "Prevention and youth protection are essential," says DZPG spokesperson Prof. Dr. Dr. Andreas Heinz from the DZPG's Berlin-Potsdam partner site. "Young people in particular need protection, as their brains are still developing. Even low-level cannabis use before the age of 18 can contribute to long-term problems and mental illnesses such as depression or psychosis. Appropriate protective measures must therefore be taken and early support services established."
DZPG spokesperson Prof. Dr. Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg from the DZPG Mannheim-Heidelberg-Ulm partner site adds in the direction of politics: "The legalization of cannabis must not lead to an increase in addicted and mentally ill people. It is necessary to implement low-threshold and culturally sensitive counseling and treatment services as well as accompanying research with appropriate funding."
Meyer-Lindenberg emphasizes: "In a meta-analysis commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Health on the medical potential of cannabis and the risks for recreational use, it is correctly stated that the studies show that cannabis is a risk factor for mental illness. The healthcare system and research must adequately address this risk factor. We cannot pretend that the legalization of cannabis is without consequences."
In Germany, cannabis is currently the most widespread non-legal drug. International studies indicate that cannabis legalization could lead to an increase in regular users and thus to an increase in cannabis-related disorders and secondary diseases.
These consequences have not yet been sufficiently researched in Germany. However, United Nations statistics show that in countries where cannabis use has been legalized, the number of hospital admissions related to cannabis dependence and withdrawal and the number of hospital admissions related to cannabis-related psychotic disorders have increased.
RESEARCH IS URGENTLY NEEDED
The DZPG emphasizes the need for further research efforts to better understand the effects of cannabis use on health and society. In particular, care data on the treatment of cannabis-related disorders, studies on the effects of cannabis on the individual and society as well as studies on the treatment of cannabis dependence and other cannabis-related diseases are required. The effects of cannabis use on traffic safety should also be investigated.
Heinz and Meyer-Lindenberg therefore recommend comprehensive and prompt implementation of the required measures in the event of cannabis legalization to minimize the negative effects and protect the health of the population.
EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION KEY TOPICS AT THE DZPG
Among other things, the DZPG is dedicated to researching risk factors for mental illness in urban environments. Through the implementation of prevention programs, the effects of these factors are to be measured and influenced in a targeted manner. The aim is to establish a Germany-wide network of early detection centers that will enable early prevention, detection and, if necessary, treatment of mental illnesses. The significance of cannabis-related risk factors and illnesses will also be investigated.
Press Contact
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