Cannabinoids and Psychosis
Cannabinoids and the Brain March 1, 2017 DOI: 10.7551/mitpress/9780262035798.003.0004
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMost people who use marijuana do not develop schizophrenia, but there is a modest association between cannabis exposure, especially in adolescence, and later schizophrenia. Whether this link is causal is debated. This chapter reviews evidence for and against a causal relationship and suggests that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia, prodromal symptoms, or cannabis-related psychotic episodes should avoid THC-predominant marijuana.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | There is a modest association between cannabis exposure, particularly in adolescence, and later development of schizophrenia, but whether this relationship is causal is debated. |
Abstract
Clearly the majority of people who use marijuana do not develop schizophrenia. Yet, the human literature suggests that there is a modest association between cannabis exposure (particularly in adolescence) and later development of schizophrenia--whether or not this association is causal is hotly debated. This chapter reviews some of the evidence for and against such a causal relationship. The chapter concludes with the suggestion that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia, with prodromal symptoms, or who have experienced discreet episodes of psychosis related to cannabis use, may be best served not using THC-predominant marijuana.