ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an understanding of the short- and long-term sequelae of cannabis use, particularly on mental health and presents an overview of the legislation in the UK regarding cannabis use. It discusses a better understanding of the growing evidence base about cannabis use and mental illness and explores the different interventions available for people who use cannabis and their effectiveness. There is increasing evidence about the detrimental effects of cannabis use. Mental health professionals often encounter individuals who run into problems with this drug. It can be challenging to establish whether there is a severe underlying mental disorder in a person abusing cannabis, particularly one who is psychotic. The successful treatment of cannabis use disorders (CUDs) is challenging, whether occurring as part of a coexisting major mental illness or not. C. Hjorthoj and colleagues have undertaken a systematic review of the literature on the treatment of CUDs in people with schizophrenia.
