Journal of forensic sciences
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An evaluation of the criminal responsibility of an offender who has consumed cannabis necessitates knowledge of the effect of the product on the offender's mental state at the time of the alleged offense. However, the effects induced by cannabis are numerous and the forensic psychiatrist should base his diagnosis and his evaluation on facts which are as objective as possible. ⋯ Eight major categories which can be used in the domain of forensic psychiatry are detailed in this review: Acute usual effects, acute adverse effects, mood disturbance, acute toxic confusion, acute psychotic reaction, chronic paranoid psychosis, amotivational syndrome or other long term effects, and flashbacks. For each of these categories the effects of cannabis intoxication on cognitive and volitional capacities are analyzed, and guidelines for the evaluation of criminal responsibility are proposed.