[Cannabinoids and mental health].

Cannabis and marihuana are psychoactive substances. Beside alcohol they belong to the most widely consumed drugs in most western countries. Psychiatric complications are frequent: substance use, dependence, possibly withdrawal, intoxications and cognitive dysfunction. There is substantial evidence for an increased risk for psychosis in chronic cannabis consumers. Recent data also indicate a high comorbidity with affective disorder. Chronic pain is only rarely mentioned as reasons for cannabis use, psychological or social reasons prevail. Psychiatric complications in cannabis consumers and its relevance for mental health are discussed.