According to one theory, there\u2019s an association between psychosis and marijuana use in some people. How strong is this association and are we missing any important pieces of the puzzle? Among other factors, scientists think that genetics may play a role. Read on to learn what the latest studies found.<\/p>\n
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Let\u2019s get something straight right from the start: medical experts and scientists agree that we still don\u2019t have enough evidence that marijuana use can directly trigger psychosis. Recent studies point to strong associations in people at risk, but more data are needed [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Thus, people who have a family history of psychosis\/schizophrenia or other vulnerability are advised to avoid marijuana. Potent strains and smoking marijuana at a younger age are considered particularly risky [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, the majority of studies dealt with associations only, which means that a cause-and-effect relationship hasn\u2019t been established.<\/p>\n For example, just because psychosis has been linked with marijuana use doesn\u2019t mean that marijuana causes psychosis.<\/p>\n Also, even if a study did find that marijuana use contributes to psychosis, it\u2019s highly unlikely to be the only cause. Complex disorders like schizophrenia always involve multiple possible factors – including genetics, brain chemistry, environment, health status – that may vary from one person to another.<\/p>\n Studies suggest that many factors can modify the relationship between marijuana and psychosis, including [R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n The most common adverse effects caused by smoking cannabis or using a mouth spray containing cannabis extract (Sativex) are [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n A number of anecdotal reports suggest that cannabis can produce a range of acute psychotic symptoms that include depersonalization<\/a>, derealization, paranoia, anxiety<\/a>, a flight of ideas, disorganized thinking, persecutory delusions, grandiose delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, and impairments in attention and memory [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Small studies in healthy volunteers suggest that THC (from cannabis)<\/a> may induce psychosis-like symptoms. However, some people seem to more vulnerable to these negative effects than others (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n According to large recent studies in Europe and Brazil, smoking high-potency marijuana every day was linked with an increased risk of developing psychosis by nearly five times compared to people who have never used marijuana [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Another study with 6,700 people concluded that people with marijuana-induced psychosis have a 47% chance of getting bipolar or schizophrenia within 3 years to 5 years. Substance-induced psychosis at a young age was associated with a higher risk of converting to schizophrenia. Self-harm after experiencing substance-induced psychosis was associated with a higher risk of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (R<\/a>).<\/p>\n On the other hand, no one knows for sure if cannabis causes<\/em> schizophrenia (or bipolar). Scientists say it\u2019s possible that people who are predisposed to schizophrenia may also be more likely to consume cannabis. They\u2019re also more likely to smoke cigarettes [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Yet a different theory states that some common factors may underlie both cannabis use and psychosis.<\/p>\n Lastly, a group of researchers holds that cannabis use in people with mental health issues is a way to \u201cself medicate\u201d and mitigate the early symptoms of schizophrenia [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Some research points to the medical potential of cannabis<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, its use remains controversial because of the high risk of addiction, dependence, side effects, and withdrawal syndrome. This is particularly true for the non-medical use of cannabis and makes it difficult to stop using.<\/p>\n Relapses in people attempting to quit are relatively common. If you\u2019re struggling with cannabis addiction or relapses, find an addiction center near you to get medical help and support.<\/p>\n If you think you experienced psychotic-like symptoms (from cannabis or otherwise), it\u2019s important to contact your healthcare provider. They may recommend that you see a specialist and\/or go to an early psychosis intervention center. Getting medical help early on can make a big difference in your mental health and general well-being [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The use and possession of cannabis are illegal under federal law for any purpose in the US.<\/p>\n THC in cannabis is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, defined as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medicinal use, and a lack of accepted safety data for use under medical supervision [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Nonetheless, cannabis laws across different US states vary and many states conflict with federal law. States such as California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, New York, Arizona, and others have legalized or decriminalized cannabis for medical and\/or recreational use.<\/p>\n Canada permits the use of both recreational and medical cannabis.<\/p>\n In states where cannabis is illegal, possession and use can result in felony charges.<\/p>\nThe Bigger Picture<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Adverse Consequences of Cannabis<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Cannabis-Induced Psychosis<\/span><\/h3>\n
When to Seek Help<\/span><\/h3>\n
Legality<\/span><\/h3>\n