Can marijuana make a mental illness worse?

Marijuana use has many scientifically proven health benefits. These can be as simple as helping users relax, or as complex as treating chronic pain or stimulating appetite. There’s a lot we don’t know about marijuana, especially when it comes to its negative side effects; Aside from red eyes and the occasional bout of paranoia, can using the plant worsen conditions such as mental illness?

There isn’t much evidence or scientific research, but some studies have found links between marijuana use and some mental illnesses, such as depression and even psychosis.

Studies have shown that people who smoke large amounts of marijuana every day are five times more likely than others to develop psychosis, affecting the age at which marijuana is first used and the individual’s genetic vulnerabilities.

Photo by kilarov zaneit via Unsplash

Although these studies are not very useful for regular marijuana users, they show a link between marijuana use and mental illness, although the existing link does not imply that one causes the other. While marijuana can cause hallucinations and paranoia sporadically, these effects go away once the drug wears off.

According to a Washington State University survey, people who use marijuana to treat their chronic pain are at higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. The survey reached out to 150 adults who used marijuana to treat their chronic condition and asked them about their experiences.

RELATED: Study Links Daily Marijuana Use to Risk of Psychosis

“When people suffer from depression and anxiety and also use cannabis, it appears that they have more negative consequences,” said lead investigator Marian Wilson. “Is it that they are consuming more cannabis because the pain is so severe and their mood is impaired, or is it because people with depression and anxiety are at greater risk of using cannabis in ways that may not be therapeutic ? “

Study says cannabis use is not linked to loss of motivationPhoto by Benjamin Combs via Unsplash

More research is needed to paint a clearer picture, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that people with depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses are more likely to use marijuana. “Some people with depression can use marijuana to help ease their depressive symptoms,” said Dr. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin of the Mayo Clinic. “Heavy users can appear depressed because of the drug’s depressant effect on feelings and emotions.”

RELATED: Depression attracts frequent marijuana users and could make symptoms worse

Marijuana and mental health appear to be linked, with the relationship being positive or negative depending on the user, their genes, and the regularity of use. Still, the occasional or regular use of marijuana is unlikely to worsen a disease that is being treated and cared for by psychiatrists.

Post a comment:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *