A look at the association between cannabis use and schizophrenia, as well as the need for comprehensive public health policies and education.
September 25, 2023 Victor Ajluni, MD
The increasing acceptance and legalization of cannabis use worldwide has underscored the need to understand its potential health implications. One area of significant concern is the association between cannabis use and schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by thought and emotional disturbances. This association is particularly important, given the global burden of schizophrenia, which affects more than 20 million individuals worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.1
A Mendelian randomization study by Vaucher, et al, provided observational evidence of an increased risk of schizophrenia associated with cannabis use.2 Rentero, et al, highlighted the importance of differentiating between cannabis-induced psychosis and schizophrenia for therapeutic purposes.3 Ortiz-Medina, et al, emphasized the need for more research to fully understand the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis.4
Urits, et al, found that about 1 in 4 patients with schizophrenia are also diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD), indicating a strong association between cannabis use and psychological disorders.5 Marconi, et al, reported a dose-response relationship between the level of cannabis use and the risk of psychosis, suggesting that higher levels of cannabis use could lead to long-lasting psychotic disorders.6
García Álvarez, et al, explored the impact of cannabis use on cognitive impairment in schizophrenia and first-episode psychosis, providing further evidence of the potential risks associated with cannabis use.7 Cohen, et al, discussed both the positive and negative effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on health, including their association with cognitive alterations, psychosis, and schizophrenia.8
In a comprehensive review published in The Lancet, Jauhar, et al, discussed the etiological and therapeutic challenges of schizophrenia, including the role of cannabis as a potential causative factor. They highlighted that cannabis and childhood adversity are areas of debate as causative factors for schizophrenia, emphasizing the need for further research in these areas.9
In their review, Lowe, et al, emphasized the need to gauge the potential impact of cannabis legalization on vulnerable populations, such as those with mental illnesses including schizophrenia. They discussed the potential for cannabis to induce long-term psychiatric effects, including the exacerbation of symptoms in individuals with preexisting psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia.10
Lastly, Hamilton discussed the complex interaction between cannabis, psychosis, and schizophrenia. He highlighted the need for a credible contribution to public health in light of increasing cannabis legalization. His study provided evidence of a dose-response relationship between cannabis use and the risk of psychosis, emphasizing that the risk increases with the frequency of use and the potency of cannabis.11
In conclusion, although the acceptance and legalization of cannabis continue to grow, it is crucial to consider the potential risks associated with cannabis use. The association between cannabis use and schizophrenia underscores the need for comprehensive public health policies and education to mitigate these risks. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interaction between cannabis use, psychosis, and schizophrenia