HC Deb 15 January 2004 vol 416 cc847-8W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has commissioned into cannabis use and schizophrenia. [148275]

Miss Melanie Johnson

Department of Health-funded research completed last year recognised that, while a causative link between early cannabis use and later development of schizophrenia and depression is not conclusively proven, recent epidemiological research has shown a stronger association than was previously evident. Although we have not commissioned further specific research into cannabis and schizophrenia, the Department monitors research is this area and has a range of expert advisers to inform policy.