CANNABIS USE IN THE COMMUNITY

摘要: BACKGROUND: The illegal use of cannabis has been increasing in many Western countries for the past two decades. Recently, some interest shown modifying legislation and control. need general practitioners to be aware short- long-term consequences is increasing, more information required about its effects on behaviour, psychological states respiratory cardiovascular systems. practice populations study prevalence damaging less represented literature than it should be, considering extent consumption. AIM: A was carried out 1995 determine a population any associated health problems. As pilot study, samples were obtained forensic analysis. METHOD AND PATIENTS: Two questionnaires used. One very short enquiry use, if any, drug, longer one use. Data concerning medical included from patients' case notes. Samples examination. RESULTS: high proportion (61%) patients surveyed indicated (past or present). Thirty-seven per cent had used previous 12 months. Users could broadly divided into transitory experimenters, regular users heavy users. Medical problems those attributed tobacco smoking, other drug Benefits perceived by recording many. Polydrug issues difficult separate itself. Chest infections, anxiety depression, dependence common diagnoses, 13 32 females group evidence cervical smear abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Few serious itself identified, although chest infections common. Tobacco damage, criminal legal dominated obscured important benefits scientific understanding side drug. More research several identified areas required.