Cannabis use appears to be linked with the earlier onset of psychosis, a new study suggests.

The meta analysis of previous studies found people who used cannabis developed psychosis on average over two years younger. Although the nature of the link is not known for certain the authors of the study in the Archive of General Psychiatry say its findings "support the hypothesis that cannabis use plays a causal role in the development of psychosis in some patients" and suggest renewed warnings about the dangers posed by the drug.

Meanwhile right-of-centre thinktank the Centre for Social Justice says family breakdown is leading to a rise in mental illness.

(Pic: Jon Santa Cruz/Rex Features)

Read the complete post at http://www.communitycare.co.uk/blogs/mental-health/2011/02/cannabis-linked-to-earlier-ons.html