Last updated on: 6/25/2010 | Author: ProCon.org

Stephen M. Lawrie, MD, MPhil, MBChB Biography

Title:
Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging at the University of Edinburgh
Position:
Not Clearly Pro or Con to the question "Should Marijuana Be a Medical Option?"
Reasoning:

“Meta-analysis suggests that cannabis is a risk factor, increasing the chances of developing schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-like psychotic illness by approximately three-fold…

Our findings underline the need to recognize the use of cannabis as a significant risk factor for schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychotic illness.”

Cowritten with David M. Semple and Andrew M. McIntosh, “Cannabis as a Risk Factor for Psychosis: Systematic Review,” Journal of Psychopharmacology, Mar. 2005
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:
     Key Experts
Physicians [Physicians are the "key experts" in the medical marijuana debate because the issue is thought by many to be ultimately based on the medical value and risks of marijuana, and Physicians, with their training and clinical work, should (at least in theory) have the best knowledge of marijuana's medical value and risks.] [Note: Key Experts definition varies by sites that have this designation.]
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Professor, Psychiatry and Neuroimaging, University of Edinburgh
  • Executive Member, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences
  • Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, NHS Lothian Hospital
  • Director, Scottish Mental Health Research Network
  • Co-chair, Lothian Joint Formulary (document providing guidance and standards for hospitals in Lothian, Scotland)
  • Sentinel Reader, Evidence-Based Medicine journal, American College of Physicians

  • Former Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (with honors), 2009
  • Fellow of the Royal College Psychiatrists, 2008
  • Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1990
    • Education:
  • MD, University of Edinburgh, 1997
  • MPhil, University of Edinburgh, 1993
  • MBChB, University of Aberdeen, 1986
    • Other:
  • Has published more than 200 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals