Guernsey’s director of public health says the States is now investigating a sharp rise in cannabis mental health admissions to Crevichon Ward over the past four years.

Cannabis Mental Health Admissions More Than Double Since 2021

The island’s annual Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy report shows that 18% of all Crevichon admissions in 2025 were cannabis-related. That works out to 22 individuals. The figure stood at just 2% in 2021. It peaked at 25% in 2023. So while 2025 shows a dip from the worst point, the four-year trend is hard to dismiss.

Dr Nicola Brink, the island’s director of public health, called the pattern concerning. “That is an area that we’re concerned about,” she said. “Prior to the introduction of medicinal cannabis in the islands in 2019, the cannabis-related admissions on Crevichon were around 4%.”

The timing matters. Guernsey introduced medicinal cannabis in 2019. Since then, cannabis ward admissions have climbed sharply. Authorities do not yet know whether those admitted used prescription cannabis, illicit cannabis, or both.

What the Investigation Involves

The States referred the matter to its Misuse of Drugs advisory group. The chief pharmacist also reviewed the data. Officials are now working to establish whether medicinal cannabis access has played a role in the rise.

Dr Brink did not give a timeline for the outcome. But escalating the issue to advisory level signals that authorities are treating it seriously. This is not seen as a minor statistical blip.

What Guernsey Mind Says

Jo Cottell, chief executive of Guernsey Mind, said the charity had not heard many cannabis-related concerns from people using its self-help services. But she was clear on the risks. “Cannabis use absolutely impacts on people’s mental health,” she said. “We would obviously discuss that with an individual if they came in, to see how we might help them. But we are not clinicians, and I think that is the important thing to say.”

Guernsey Mind runs a supported self-help service. It gives islanders tools to manage their mental wellbeing. Cottell’s comments point to a gap. When someone needs clinical support, a self-help service can only go so far.

The Wider Picture

Research across the UK and beyond links heavy or long-term cannabis use to a higher risk of psychosis, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Younger users face a disproportionately greater risk. Guernsey’s figures sit within that broader pattern. A ninefold rise in cannabis mental health admissions over four years puts the island in a position where inaction is not an option.

Public health officials have yet to confirm when findings from the investigation will be published. What is already clear is that the issue has moved beyond data collection. The States is now actively looking for answers.

Source: dbrecoveryresources