Marijuana and Psychosis

Does smoking pot lead to psychosis? Are those suffering from psychotic episodes more likely to turn to marijuana to self-medicate? For years scientists have claimed there was a connection between marijuana and psychosis, but some new science calls this into question.

Studies on Marijuana and Psychosis

Studies have repeatedly shown that people with schizophrenia are about twice as likely to smoke pot as those who are unaffected, CNN reports. The data also suggests that those who smoke cannabis are twice as likely to develop schizophrenia as nonsmokers. There was even an alarming research review published in 2007 that seemed to conclude that trying marijuana just once was associated with a 40 percent increase in risk of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The problem with that is, while marijuana use has become much more widespread, rates of schizophrenia have remained the same, affecting approximately one percent of the population.

One new study seems to add to the voices saying there is not a correlation. CNN reports that Dr. Serge Sevy, an associate professor of psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, looked at 100 patients between the ages of 16 and 40 with schizophrenia, half of whom smoked marijuana. Sevy and colleagues found that among the marijuana users, 75 percent had begun smoking before the onset of schizophrenia and that their disease appeared about two years earlier than in those who did not use the drug. But when the researchers controlled for other factors known to influence schizophrenia risk, including gender, education and socioeconomic status, the association between disease onset and marijuana disappeared.

The facts aren’t quite that cut and dried, though. Confusing the matter is the affinity many schizophrenics seem to have for marijuana, seeming to point to some sort of connection, however tenuous. Then there are other issues to consider. Some studies have found better cognitive functioning in schizophrenics who smoke pot compared to those who don’t. That’s the opposite result found in the normal population following pot use. It just goes to prove that where schizophrenia and marijuana use are concerned, there’s still plenty to learn.

Marijuana Rehab

If you or someone you love is in need of marijuana rehab, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.