This is inaccurate, misleading and distorted. As in point 7) above, very few cannabis users develop mental illness. Frisher et al 2009 (ref 2), shows that the rate and prevalence of schizophrenia is stable or declining. Hickman et al 2007 (ref 3) shows that despite large increases in cannabis use, the incidence of psychosis is either stable or falling. All the evidence from across the world irrespective of cannabis use shows that throughout the 20th century rates of mental illness are declining.

10. In paragraph 22 the article states “he realises how much harm he has done by his espousal of this poison”

This is inaccurate, misleading and distorted. Cannabis is not a poison. In relation to PCC complaint 111428, the Independent Reviewer ruled on the same point: ” you have, I believe, demonstrated that cannabis cannot accurately be described as a poison.” (21-07-11 letter to Peter Reynolds)

I would be grateful if you would deal with this complaint at your earliest convenience. I shall be happy to provide any further information required or to give oral evidence in support.

Refererence 1: If cannabis caused schizophrenia—how many cannabis users may need to be prevented in order to prevent one case of schizophrenia? Hickman et al 2009 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02736.x/full

Reference 2: Assessing the impact of cannabis use on trends in diagnosed schizophrenia in the United Kingdom. Frisher et al 2009 http://clear-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Assessing-the-impact-of-cannabis-Keele-Frisher-et-al-2009.pdf

Reference 3: Cannabis and schizophrenia: model projections of the impact of the rise in cannabis use on historical and future trends in schizophrenia. Hickman et al 2007 http://www.ukcia.org/research/ProjectionsOfImpactOfRiseInUse/ProjectionsOfImpactOfRiseInUse.pdf

Yours faithfully,

Peter Reynolds

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