Cannabis: Healer or Noxious?

Prof. Anton Grech

In this public talk, renowned Gozitan psychiatrist Prof. Anton Grech explains how cannabis has been used by humans for many years to alter mental states, leading to divided opinions about its effects. Some view cannabis as a source of serious problems, including an increase in accidents in Malta, while others regard it as the holy grail, a remedy for numerous illnesses.

Professor Anton Grech asserts that scientific inquiry is essential for uncovering the truth about cannabis. In this lecture, he aims to explain, in layman’s terms, the scientific insights into cannabis’s actions and its positive and negative consequences. He will also draw on his own research in this field, conducted in both London and Malta.

Professor Anton Grech hails from Victoria, Gozo. He is married with three children and resides in Victoria. He graduated as a medical doctor from the University of Malta and completed his psychiatric training at the prestigious Maudsley Hospital in London. He earned his PhD from the University of Maastricht. In his professional capacity, he serves as the clinical chairman of the Department of Psychiatry within Malta’s Ministry of Health and Active Ageing. Additionally, he is the chairman of Fondazzjoni Kenn Għal Saħħtek.  He holds the position of full professor of psychiatry at the University of Malta. He is also a senior research fellow at the CMHR of the University of Cambridge. His research has gained international recognition. He has actively participated in organizing international psychiatry conferences and regularly presents at these events. He reviews papers for high-impact journals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was appointed as one of the World Health Organization’s experts on mental health and represents Malta in the European Coalition on Mental Hesltj of the World Health Organization. He is a strong advocate for using media to educate the public on mental health issues. Professor Grech credits his education at the Oratory Don Bosco Youth Center in Victoria, Gozo, as the foundation of his learning experience.

As always, admission is free. For seat reservations, please send an email to events@heartofgozo.org.mt. This public talk is being held in collaboration with the OASI Foundation.