Cannabis, often perceived as harmless by many, can have far-reaching and detrimental effects on mental health, particularly when used in its high-potency forms. Among young people, heavy cannabis use is increasingly linked to severe conditions such as psychosis—a state marked by paranoia, delusions, and a disconnection from reality. This issue is being directly confronted by the NHS Cannabis Clinic for Psychosis in London, the first and only such clinic of its kind.
This specialised clinic offers a groundbreaking model for identifying and addressing the mental health challenges exacerbated by cannabis use, demonstrating a pathway towards recovery and stability for those affected.
A Targeted Approach to Cannabis Dependency
The NHS Cannabis Clinic for Psychosis, which opened in 2019, was established in response to the growing number of psychosis cases linked to cannabis use. The clinic operates under the leadership of Professor Marta Di Forti, a consultant psychiatrist and expert in the field. The core of their programme lies in a personalised and multifaceted treatment strategy that combines professional mental health care with peer support. This approach provides patients with weekly one-on-one consultations and access to online group sessions where they can connect with others facing similar struggles.
The clinic primarily supports young adults diagnosed with psychotic disorders exacerbated by frequent cannabis use. Many patients referred to the clinic display severe dependence on high-potency cannabis strains, which are known for their heightened risks. Such strains, with THC content above 10%, are widely associated with adverse effects on mental health, including paranoia and psychosis.
Breakthrough Findings in Recovery
Analysis of the outcomes from the first 46 patients who completed treatment at the clinic reveals astonishing successes. At the time of their referral, nearly all participants were using cannabis daily, with the vast majority consuming high-potency strains. However, with the clinic’s targeted support, 74% of patients completely stopped using the drug, while the remaining 26% significantly lowered their frequency and shifted to less potent forms.
Patients didn’t just overcome dependency—they also reported significant improvements in mental health and everyday functioning. Many experienced reduced feelings of paranoia, diminished intrusive thoughts, and eased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Beyond these psychological benefits, participants described a “remarkable improvement” in their day-to-day lives, with many resuming work, studies, or other meaningful activities that had previously seemed out of reach.
The Case for More Specialist Clinics
The clinic’s success highlights an urgent need for similar services across the NHS. Professor Di Forti has expressed concern about the severely limited resources for addressing cannabis-related psychosis, with her team being forced to turn away patients daily due to overwhelming demand. She regularly receives enquiries from families, GPs, and mental health specialists seeking solutions for individuals caught in the grip of cannabis dependency coupled with worsening psychotic disorders.
The service model developed by the NHS Cannabis Clinic for Psychosis demonstrates that effective care can be delivered even with limited funding. Further investment in such clinics nationwide would offer the potential to help many more individuals, addressing a gap in the mental health and addiction care landscape.
Long-Term Implications for Public Health
The work of this clinic also contributes to a wider understanding of the dangers posed by frequent and heavy cannabis use. Recent research has underlined the biological impact of high-potency cannabis, even suggesting that it leaves detectable markers on DNA. This finding could be instrumental in identifying individuals at higher risk of developing psychosis, allowing earlier interventions to prevent the condition.
Additionally, the link between ongoing cannabis use and worsened psychosis outcomes is indisputable. Young adults using cannabis while managing a psychotic disorder face increased hospitalisation rates, shorter relapse cycles, and reduced quality of life. By interrupting this cycle through targeted care, specialised clinics like this one not only improve individual outcomes but also alleviate strain on the healthcare system.
Building Towards a Healthier Society
This pioneering clinic underscores the necessity of proactive, specialised interventions to combat the growing challenges posed by cannabis use. It shows that recovery is possible, even for those deeply entrenched in debilitating conditions like psychosis. By providing tools for people to regain control over their lives, services like these present a compelling case for an expanded nationwide infrastructure aimed at addressing the often-overlooked consequences of drug use.
Through targeted care and a commitment to early intervention, we can envision a future where more individuals are able to flourish, unburdened by the harmful effects of drugs like cannabis. This clinic is a vital step forward, but its success must pave the way for more comprehensive services across the country.
Source: The i Paper
Leave a Reply