Over 500 members of the public attended Cannabis and Youth Health – The Evidence, the latest in the RCSI MyHealth Lecture series, which took place at RCSI yesterday.

The lecture provided a platform for a discussion on the health issues associated with the use of cannabis, including the use of cannabinoids as a treatment in certain medical conditions such as epilepsy; and the mental health issues connected with the use of cannabis.

Alex Berenson, former journalist with the New York Times and author of the best-selling book, Tell Your Children: The Truth about Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence, gave a guest address on the evening. In 2016, conversations with his wife Jacqueline, a forensic psychiatrist, led Berenson to begin researching cannabis. His book, Tell Your Children, argues that cannabis advocates have sharply understated the mental health and violence risks associated with the drug.

Prof. Norman Delanty, FutureNeuro Research Centre at RCSI, addressed the use of cannabinoids as a treatment in certain medical conditions.

Both speakers were joined by Prof. Mary Cannon, RCSI Professor of Psychiatry, Dr Garret McGovern, Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic and Prof. Susan Smith, Department of General Practice, RCSI for a panel discussion chaired by television and radio broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan.

The RCSI MyHealth Lecture series is open to the public and aimed at those who want to learn more about common illnesses and health-related topics, and how they can improve their personal health and wellbeing.

Upcoming lectures include:

• Arthritis: My Joint Health – 3 October 2019
• How Inequality Kills: Margins, the Marginalised and Public Health – 19 November 2019
• The Evidence Behind Vaccinations – 3 March 2020
• Positive Psychology – 21 May 2020

 This series of public health lectures are open to the public and free of charge, however registration is essential to guarantee a place. All lectures will begin at 6.30pm at RCSI, 26 York Street, Dublin 2.