Dangers of skunk must be reinforced, warn health experts

Skunk is a strong form of cannabis, high in the chemical THC, which has become increasingly popular with UK drug users.

The drug is known to increase the risk of anxiety and paranoia amongst those who smoke it, resulting in an increasing number of referrals for mental health treatment.

The number of people in treatment for mental health problems after smoking cannabis has gone up by a third in the past six years in the UK.

David Manley from the Nottinghamshire Health Care NHS Trust says it is not unusual for him to meet people who smoke 20-30 skunk joints each day.

Peter Moyes, director of the Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership, wants a clearer message about the health dangers associated with skunk to be given to young people.

Inside Out's Sarah Sturdey meets two young adults called Jackson, 18, and Jacob, 20, from Nottingham who explain why they smoke skunk despite the warnings.

Inside Out is broadcast on Monday, 28 October at 19:30 GMT on BBC One East Midlands and nationwide on the iPlayer for seven days thereafter.