Does cannabis cause psychosis? A new study narrows the answer

One of the most worrying associations of cannabis is that it has with psychosis. While this link is not fully understood, it is nonetheless significant, as several studies suggest that people who smoke large amounts of weed daily are five times more likely than others to develop psychosis, depending on the age at which marijuana is first used , and from individual age genetic vulnerabilities. Now, a new study provides some much-needed information and context on the subject.

The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, examined the link between schizophrenia and cannabis and attempted to provide answers to a long unanswered question; Does cannabis use cause schizophrenia, or are people with schizophrenia more likely to seek out the drug?

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The study followed young subjects, ages 13 to 16, who completed annual self-reports about cannabis use and psychotic symptoms over the past year. The results showed clear associations between frequent cannabis use and more severe psychotic symptoms. Subjects who reported cannabis use in the previous year were more likely to exhibit psychotic symptoms a year later, indicating some form of causation.

Still, this evidence is not foolproof. Many more studies need to be done to better understand the problem and how to properly address it, especially in the case of children and adolescents who are at greater risk of harm from exposing their young brains to cannabis.

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While studies like these can be daunting for cannabis advocates, they are necessary for a thorough understanding of the plant. As cannabis becomes legal in all states, those responsible should educate consumers, especially young people, about the harms of cannabis and the serious medical conditions that can result from its abuse.

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The majority of people can safely use cannabis. Still, we should not turn a blind eye to those who are at greater risk.