The link between cannabis & mental illness

We at Manchester Metropolitan University (England) have been researching the relationship between cannabis and psychosis for several years. The primary purpose of our research programme is to develop a questionnaire which will enable people to identify if they have a susceptibility to the (psychologically) adverse effects of cannabis.

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist us in our latest research project by answering a series of questions. We are looking for people who have used cannabis at least once (whether you are a past or current user) and have a history of mental health problems. The questions take an average of 20 minutes and can be answered completely anonymously online via our website. Our research has been approved by the Manchester Metropolitan University ethics committee.

If you would like to take part or would like further information about our research, then please click on the following link http://www.hpsc.mmu.ac.uk/street-drugs-research. Alternatively if you are based in the UK we can arrange for a pack containing information and paper copies of the questionnaires to be sent to you. To request an information pack you can phone +44 (0)161 247 2415 (if there is no response then please leave a message) or you can write to:
Rohan Morris
Department of Psychology
Manchester Metropolitan University
Gaskell Campus
Hathersage Rd
MANCHESTER
M13 0JA
England

I do not live near that area but I've had cannabis induced panic attacks before.

Hi Bramble26,
Thank you for the interest in our research. You can take part in the study from anywhere via our website: http://www.hpsc.mmu.ac.uk/street-drugs-research . Completing a paper format of the questionnaire is an option we have provided to UK residents if they prefer to do so. Any further questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Best wishes,
Rohan

That survey was pretty well thought out. It addressed states of mind I had associated with use both myself and from speaking with others.

Thank you, I'm glad you found the questions relevant. The experiences part of the questionnaire was essentially created by our participants. In the initial stages of the questionnaires development cannabis users were asked to describe their experiences and the questionnaire is essentially made up of their experiences.

Best wishes,
Rohan

Hi All, I'm new to the forum.
I'd just like to say, This is seems like a really valuable piece of research that I would love to be involved in.

I have always wondered why some people suffer under the influence of cannabis whilst others don't...
If i had known that I might be more susceptible to anxiety and paranoia prior to first using cannabis i probably wouldn't have started!

I'm sure the results of this study could provide an invaluable tool for both those who already suffer with mental health related issues as well as those who dont.

On that note i'd like to post a question to other cannabis users on the board;

If you were given a prior warning to suggest that cannabis may affect you adversely as an individual, would it have stopped you becoming a user?

Hi All,
I really appreciate the time and effort of those who have already participated. If there is anyone else who would like to take part in this research study then please follow the link above. If you are over 18, have been diagnosed with a mental illness, and you have used cannabis (even if it is only the once) then you are eligible to take part.

We hope that this study will help in the creation of a tool which will have a practical health benefit; identifying those who are most susceptible to the adverse effects of cannabis. This could prevent some people from becoming ill in the future. We cannot achieve this without your support, so if you have 20 minutes spare please take the time to complete our questionnaire and share your experiences of cannabis.

Ro

I never really had much of an effect from it other than tiredness and hunger. Sometimes thirst. Interesting study though.

Quite thorough. It reminded me of why I don't care for the stuff.

Colorado just passed legislation making it legal here. I was shocked and I still can't quite believe it.

Done, but hoping the direction the researcher is leaning is more of an open-minding one than a closed-minded one about the subject of research.