Cannabis and mental health
This factsheet explains how cannabis might affect your mental health and how to get help and support if you need it. This information is for people who are 18 and over in England.
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- Cannabis is known by different names like marijuana and weed.
- Cannabis is a class B drug. This means it is illegal to have for yourself, give it away, or sell. But doctors can prescribe cannabis legally for limited medical reasons.
- Cannabis can have pleasant and bad effects.
- THC is the main chemical in cannabis which can change your mood and behaviour.
- Skunk is the most common name for stronger types of cannabis which has more THC.
- Cannabis use can be a risk factor to the developing or the returning of mental illness symptoms.
- Research has found a link between cannabis and developing psychosis or schizophrenia.
- If cannabis is affecting your health or how you feel, you can see your GP.
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Useful contacts
FRANK
Gives confidential advice to anyone concerned about using cannabis or other drugs.
Telephone helpline: 0300 123 6600. day
SMS: 82111
Email: through website
Live chat: through website.
Website: www.talktofrank.com
Marijuana Anonymous
They are run by people who have experience of cannabis use. They offer a 12-step recovery programme for people who want to quit cannabis use and are free to use.
Telephone: 0300 124 0373
Email: helpline@marijuana-anonymous.org.uk
Website: www.marijuana-anonymous.org.uk
Narcotics Anonymous
They run online meetings and face to face meetings all over the country for people who want to stop using drugs. They offer sponsorship.
Telephone helpline: 0300 999 1212.
Website: www.ukna.org
Adfam
A national charity for families and friends of drug users. It offers support groups and confidential support and information.
Address: 27 Swinton Street, London, WC1X 9NW
Email: admin@adfam.org.uk
Website: www.adfam.org.uk
Release
They give free non-judgmental, specialist advice and information to the public and professionals on issues related to drug use and drug laws.
Telephone helpline: 020 7324 2989
Address: 61 Mansell Street, London E1 8AN
Email: ask@release.org.uk
Website: www.release.org.uk
We Are With You
A charity that supports people to make positive behavioural change. Such as a problem with alcohol, drugs, or mental health and wellbeing. They give support for families too. They have different services in different parts of the country.
Address: Part Lower Ground Floor, Gate House, 1-3 St. John's Square, London, England, EC1M 4DH
Online Chat: www.wearewithyou.org.uk/help-and-advice/advice-you/
Website: www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
Change Grow Live (CGL)
A charity that supports people to make positive behavioural change. Such as a problem with alcohol, drugs, or mental health and wellbeing. They give support for families too. They have different services in different parts of the country.
Webchat: via website
Website: www.changegrowlive.org/
Turning Point
Works with people affected by drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems and learning disabilities.
Address: Standon House, 21 Mansell Street, London, E1 8AA
Email via online form: www.turning-point.co.uk/contact-us.html
Website: www.turning-point.co.uk
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Version number 4.1
© Rethink Mental Illness 2024
Last updated December 2024
Next update June 2026, subject to any changes