Marijuana, Cannabis etc (plus Bonus Harry)

Didn't most of us use it in our younger days - or was that just in the (very affluent) area I lived in? Isn't long-term alcohol and tobacco abuse a far worse problem? I suppose there's use - then there's abuse - of any substance.

The trouble with the 'studies' is the lack of robust before and after evidence. People with mental health problems are attracted to distractions, self-medication and perceived 'cures' anything to feel better. So, it's a chicken and egg situation. Does cannabis use cause problems or is it merely a correlation? I expect it's harmful for some and helpful for others.

It would be more useful to compare health outcomes in countries where use is legal with those where it's illegal. I think legalisation, regulation and taxation will be the sensible route in future. Taking away the criminal aspect, the link with hard drugs and availability of strong skunk would solve many problems.

The Dutch have started applying their drug rules with increasing rigour as they face increasing problems.
www.drugs.ie/news/article/international_dutch_tighten_cannabis_laws
www.government.nl/topics/drugs

Wyllow3 Lots of children have weird childhoods, nothing exceptionally weird about his. Surrounded by people who cared about him, even if they didn't always get it right. And then the shock of discovering that he wasn't as important as he thought he was.

Yes and definitely NO. The varieties of homegrown super strength skunk available today has definitely caused MH problems in many young people. Psychosis caused by smoking it has increased and I have witnessed the harm caused by the use of cannabis. It is not harmless and PH has been very irresponsible imo.

H should really get himself an outdoor manual labouring job. Being outdoors on a daily basis would do wonders for his mental health and might just create a little bit of empathy for those who have no choice but to work until their backs and joints ache. I suggest landscaping, working for somone, which involves a lot of weeding and grass cutting

‘Most of us’ Hetty? I was a teenager in the 60s in a city where a lot of drugs were in circulation but I have never touched non-prescription drugs.

I agree, karmalady. I've thought for ages that Harry should just get a job. Then he could have some pride in supporting his family himself.

I am prescribed liquid morphine - does that count? I must say it 'does what it says on the tin' for pain. I have cut down and am trying to cut it out altogether, though there's nothing like it for pain relief but I haven't noticed any mood enhancing side effects. What a shame.
I was never tempted in my teens (1950s)
I believe co-codamol is made from cannabis.

When he had a proper job in the Army he was totally different.

MOnica, tickingbird and karmalady 👍

Meghan is very quiet. I wonder if her dream life as a princess has lost its appeal. I would imagine H is difficult to live with, he seems self centred and to think of no-one but himself ....... maybe he's a kinder, more generous and different person at home?

Germanshepherdsmum

‘Most of us’ Hetty? I was a teenager in the 60s in a city where a lot of drugs were in circulation but I have never touched non-prescription drugs.

nor me nor my friends, no need to, I was happy as I was

No, ExDancer, co-codamol is a mixture of paracetamol and codeine, in the proportions 8 mg codeine to 500 of paracetamol, or 30 mg to 500.

I've never touched or come near drugs, I didn't think that was unusual. My AC seem to have done the same.

No. I have a cousin with huge mental health issues after inhaling; it has wrecked his life. My brother died after a drugs overdose and his mental health problems worsened with inhaling. I can't scream No loud enough.

I've never touched "recreational drugs" - in fact, I don't like taking any drugs, and my GP says I am his only patient who keeps refusing what he prescribes.

Another 60s chick. I too have never tried recreational drugs.

I did once, when I was 18, before an exam, to enable me to extend the hours i spent revising , buy some caffeine tablets over the counter in Boots and took the maximum recommended dose and it left me feeling paranoid and suicidal for 12 hours and unable to sleep for three days. I have never been tempted to try any unlicensed drug since nor to treat OTC medications with anything less than caution and never exceed the recommended dose.

Like Karmalady, neither did my friends use drugs. I did work with someone who took recreational pills. He was no recommendation for the habit.

Likewise, I know both of my DC tried cannabis - once, and didn't enjoy the experience. They have never taken anything else.

I too came from a reasonably affluent background,(1960's) but have never touched non prescription drugs,(we did like a drink though, but not smoking) none of my friends did, nor have my children or grandchildren , they don't touch alcohol or smoke. Harry's confession is the height of irresponsibility. Why can't he just keep this sort of thing private or keep quiet altogether? Or, maybe use his privileged,wealthy position to actually help drug addiction and perhaps do some good in this world instead of endless whining. Mind you, probably no money in it!!!

I used to be just exasperated at Harry and his outpourings. But now I am quite angry. He thinks he is knowledgeable about how to help everybody's mental health. But he is yet another "media personality" spouting forth about things he has never studied properly, he is not trained in and thinks his own personal journey is relevant to anyone else

What he has suggested re the drugs is so irresponsible it beggars belief.

(I too am a 60's teenager and never took, or wanted to, take any kind of drug. I like my brain the way it is).

I take co-codamol. I'd be astonished if it contains cannabis. It's paracetamol and codeine isn't it.

karmalady

Germanshepherdsmum

‘Most of us’ Hetty? I was a teenager in the 60s in a city where a lot of drugs were in circulation but I have never touched non-prescription drugs.

nor me nor my friends, no need to, I was happy as I was

I don't know any who've used drugs - not us, our children.

I don't think drug use was widespread 'back then' - or perhaps just not in my circle of rule followers.

No, co-codamol does not contain cannabis! Cannabis for medicinal use is very difficult to obtain and cannot be accessed without jumping through several hoops! Many years ago Dr Colis Browne was a medicine that calmed tummy upsets, it was brilliant ,and worked a treat,nowadays it's virtually innaffective, if indeed you can still get it, why?because years ago it contained a small amount of opium!! these days? of course it doesn't!

I am not sure if you would always really know if your children had taken drugs or not. Children (when grown) do need areas of life that their parents dont know about.

Perhaps it depends to a large extent on how well you know your children.

We all think that GSM . Its not about how good a relationship you have. It's actually really important for maturity and development as an adult that there are areas of life that your parents dont necessarily know about.