Is the global rise in diagnosed #neurodivergence reflect an increased awareness? Come join the 62nd Maudsley Debate on this topic on 22 October at the Wolfson Lecture Theatre, Denmark Hill campus. Register today: https://t.co/yhbFBTAwn6

The final vote is underway, as audience members have their say. Has tonight's debate affected people's opinions? #MaudsleyDebates

Concluding against the motion, Professor Sir Robin Murray suggests that the argument for legalisation is idealistic and the risks are too great. He suggests we continue use of medicinal cannabis, putting faith in medicine. #MaudsleyDebates

Concluding for the motion, Lucy Stafford encourages regulation that prioritises harm reduction, social justice and public health. #MaudsleyDebates

A member of the audience comments that medical oversight of cannabis reassures people, whilst allowing for the harm reduction potential of a regulated framework. #MaudsleyDebates

Professor Sir Robin Murray talks more on rates of psychosis, and whether increased potency increases instances of psychosis. Lucy Stafford argues that psychosis is a more complex condition than this argument takes into account. #MaudsleyDebates

The panel is asked on the matter of regulation of levels of THC, and whether legalisation would help control this.

The first audience question asks the panel, will the decision ultimately be decided by science or politics? The panellists suggest that money may be the primary motivator, but they hope that science will have an influence. #MaudsleyDebates

@RicardoTwumasi @ProfDavidNutt @LucyStaffie @JohnnyKStack The second speaker against the motion is Laura Stack, who join the debate from the US, arguing that the legalisation of cannabis there has created higher potencies of THC and increased the illegal market. #MaudsleyDebates

@RicardoTwumasi @ProfDavidNutt @LucyStaffie @JohnnyKStack Speaking for, Lucy Stafford relays her experience using medicinal cannabis. She argues that the protected benefits and harm reduction support available to a medicinal cannabis user should be offered to all users, with knowledge and ability to control dosage. #MaudsleyDebates

@RicardoTwumasi @ProfDavidNutt @LucyStaffie @JohnnyKStack Speaking against the motion is Professor Sir Robin Murray, who argues that we already have legalised cannabis and we should wait and see what happens, and looking at a legalised cannabis that does not harm the public health. #MaudsleyDebates

@RicardoTwumasi @ProfDavidNutt @LucyStaffie @JohnnyKStack Professor Nutt presents the argument that the UK has higher levels of cannabis use than some countries where it is legal. He also argues that the prohibition of cannabis is affecting the use of medicinal cannabis and research in these areas. #MaudsleyDebates

@RicardoTwumasi @ProfDavidNutt @LucyStaffie @JohnnyKStack Dr @RicardoTwumasi and Dr Udita Iyengar begin the debate as chairs, introducing the first speaker for the motion, Professor David Nutt.

@RicardoTwumasi @ProfDavidNutt @LucyStaffie @JohnnyKStack Prior to today’s debate we asked on X, “Do you believe that cannabis should be legalised in the UK within 5 years?” with responses showing 66% in support. #MaudsleyDebates

@RicardoTwumasi @ProfDavidNutt @LucyStaffie @JohnnyKStack We will be live tweeting the debate. Tweet us and join the conversation #MaudsleyDebates

We welcome chairs Dr Udita Iyengar and Dr @RicardoTwumasi, with speakers for the motion @ProfDavidNutt and Lucy Stafford @LucyStaffie and speakers against the motion, Professor Sir Robin Murray and Laura Stack @JohnnyKStack. #MaudsleyDebates

Welcome to the 61st Maudsley Debate, titled ‘High Time – This house believes that cannabis should be legalised in the UK within 5-years’, with Professor James MacCabe introducing today's speakers. #MaudsleyDebates

Prior to tonight's @MaudsleyDebates, please take part in this online poll: Do you believe that cannabis should be legalised in the UK within 5 years?

Join us on Tuesday 30 April to attend the 61st Maudsley Debate on ‘High Time: This house believes that #cannabis should be legalised in the UK within 5 years’, followed by a drinks reception. Registration is essential: https://t.co/oY4igmrLwF All are welcome.

Concluding against the motion, Dr Smith admits that the two sides agree, that more resources are needed for mental health care, to provide continuity of care both in hospital and in community care. #MaudsleyDebates