Cannabis use shrinks the brain

A study by the University of Melbourne has revealed that heavy cannabis use shrinks the parts of the brain that control emotion, memory, fear and aggression.

The study of men that smoked at least 5 joints a day for in excess of 10 years have structural brain abnormalities not seen in non-smokers.

Brain tissue that regulates emotion and memory had shrunk by 12 per cent and brain tissue that regulates fear and regression had shrunk by 7 per cent.

The study was reported in Archives of General Psychiatry journal published in the United States.

Another study by the University of New South Wales showed that cannabis smokers had a 40 per cent increased risk of developing schizophrenia and smoking daily drives the risk up two-fold.

Other studies link cannabis smoking to gum disease and lung cancer.

(Source: Melbourne Herald Sun, 3 June 2008)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-

This study which links cannabis use to brain damage is confirmed by other studies that link cannabis use to psychiatric disorders.

Neurophysiologists now admit the link between cannabis use and mental disorders caused by brain tissue changes.

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia so we NEED court supervised drug detoxification and rehabilitation.

To reduce the extensive brain damage Australia NEEDS comprehensive and effective drug detoxification and rehabilitation.

What works in drug rehabilitation is to get Australians off cannabis use.