Is there a link between cannabis and schizophrenia? You may have heard that cannabis or its psychoactive substance THC is behind this serious mental illness. Therefore, we must first clarify that this sedative drug does not in itself cause schizophrenia. However, it can activate the disease in those who already have a genetic predisposition to it.
Cannabis is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances among adolescents and young adults. Continued use in people with immature and developing brains can present alarming risks and side effects.
Although cannabis is a compound with a long history in our cultures and its use is legal in some countries, it is important to understand its contraindications.
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Cannabis
Marijuana, or marijuana, can come from any of three plants with psychoactive properties: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica and cannabis rubralis. When the leaves, twigs or flowers are dried, they are consumed for their relaxing effect. This explains its recreational and medicinal use.
It is interesting to know that cannabis contains more than 120 components known as cannabinoids. However, science still does not know the functionality or effects of all of them. In fact, so far the pharmaceutical industries have focused their attention on only two key substances. These are as follows:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the main psychoactive substance in cannabis. It is responsible for the classic “high” mood due to its stimulation of neurons to release dopamine.
CBD. This is used to relieve inflammation and pain. However, a study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology argues that the mechanisms of CBD are still not fully understood. Therefore, more research on the substance is needed.
Effects of cannabis
Cannabis is considered a ‘harmless’ drug with rewarding relaxing effects. However, science has doubted its apparent harmlessness for decades. A study published in the journal Stroke focuses on those who use this substance the most: young people.
In the case of long-term consumption, cannabis has an extremely harmful effect on the brain. Here’s how the body and mind react to its effects.
Short-term effects
- Dizziness
- Relaxation
- Painkillers
- Sense of well-being
- Increased creativity
- Changing sensory perception
- Change of space-time perception
Long-term effects
- Nausea
- Letarji
- Irritability
- Bronchodilation
- Sleep problems
- Memory problems
- Psychotic episodes
- Increased anxiety
- Changes in attention
- Decreased blood pressure
- Increased aggression
- Slower reaction times
- Difficulties in information processing
- Acute and chronic side effects can occur in both physical and mental health. This was confirmed in an investigation conducted by the Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona (Spain).
- Cannabis can be an addictive drug. A study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology shows that the neurobiological changes of this substance are similar to other addictions, although with fewer cerebral effects.
Cannabis use among young men aged 16-25 is increasing every year. This means an increase in schizophrenia rates. This is because THC acts as a trigger if a person has a basic genetic predisposition to the illness.
Cannabis and schizophrenia: uses and risks
Cannabis and schizophrenia are of great interest in the fields of psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience. Indeed, the idea that continuous cannabis use triggers this mental illness is often reinforced.
As we have already mentioned, marijuana can be dangerous if a person has a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia.
Cannabis and schizophrenia in men
Cannabis use is a proven risk factor for young people between the ages of 16 and 25. Some new research, such as that published in the journal Psychological Medicine, provides important information that should be taken into account, especially in countries’ processes to legalize cannabis.
This study was conducted with 6.907.859 people. It states that one in five cases of schizophrenia among young men could be prevented by avoiding cannabis use.
- Cannabis use is especially important among young men. If they have a genetic predisposition to the disease, they develop schizophrenia.
- Cannabis use disorder has increased in recent years. This is a risk factor for the increasing number of people with schizophrenia, as THC acts as a trigger for the disease.
- THC can trigger and/or worsen schizophrenia if the patient has already developed it. As a rule, this psychiatric disorder first shows its symptoms between the ages of 18 and 25.
Why do people with schizophrenia use cannabis?
It is extremely common for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia to smoke cannabis for its relaxing effects. Many people report feeling more centered, experiencing a greater sense of well-being and inner calm. This perception also leads them to believe that their psychotic episodes will decrease thanks to cannabis.
However, the scientific community has demonstrated through various studies that this perception is wrong. Since cannabis compounds are of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry, their therapeutic use in schizophrenia patients has been investigated.
In fact, there is still no conclusive evidence that cannabis has a positive benefit on the symptoms and cognition of patients with schizophrenia (Ahmed et al. 2021). Further studies focused on better analyzing doses, mode of administration and patients’ characteristics are necessary.
- The application of cannabis to address cases of trauma or post-traumatic stress starts with specific micro-doses. It also underlines the need to increase scrutiny in this area, especially in more serious cases such as complex trauma. We look forward to further progress on this.
The content is for informational and educational purposes only. They are not a substitute for the diagnosis, advice or treatment of a specialist. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is best to consult a trusted professional.
