Overview

• The BMJ Mental Health analysis drew on the Cannabis&Me survey of 3,389 adult current or former users from the London area, excluding people with a history of clinical psychosis.
• Respondents who began using cannabis to manage pain, anxiety or depression reported higher paranoia scores than those who started for recreational reasons.
• Average consumption across the sample was about 206 THC units per week, while groups who started for anxiety, depression or family influence reported roughly 248 to 287 units.
• A separate Psychological Medicine analysis linked childhood trauma to heavier cannabis use and elevated paranoia, with physical or emotional abuse associated with about 35% to 40% higher paranoia scores.
• Clinicians say the initial reason for cannabis use could flag people needing support or referral, noting NHS prescribing remains tightly limited as private clinics offer broader access and recreational use is illegal in the UK.