We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Connection Between Cannabis and Psychosis?

By Jacob Queen
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,823
Share

There have been several studies showing a link between cannabis and psychosis, particularly in the case of the mental disorder schizophrenia. Some people think the connection between cannabis and psychosis is direct, while others think it is a misinterpretation of data. It is also possible that marijuana can cause a form of mild psychosis, and this could be seen as another connection between cannabis and psychosis. Many experts have used the possibility of a connection as a reason to oppose legalization of marijuana, but many marijuana enthusiasts think this position is unfounded.

Research has shown there is a 20- to 40-percent chance that people with schizophrenia have taken cannabis at some point in their lifetimes. This is higher than the percentage in the overall population, and most experts agree it is scientifically significant. The data also shows a particularly strong connection between juvenile marijuana use and schizophrenia.

Some experts think that the marijuana is an actual cause of schizophrenia, while others think it’s only dangerous if a person already has a risk of developing the disorder. These experts think that a person with a risk factor, like a genetic history of psychosis, for example, might have a greater chance of actually developing a problem if they smoke marijuana. There is also data to show that people who smoke marijuana very commonly have brain patterns that are similar to those seen in many schizophrenics.

Skeptics of the research data believe that experts are looking at the information from the wrong perspective. Many skeptics think that the data simply shows that people with psychotic problems are more likely to try cannabis. It is generally fairly common for people with psychotic issues to use drugs as a way to deal with the stress they experience as a result of their mental difficulties. It’s also true that people suffering from psychotic disorders are often outcasts in society, which can potentially lead to depression and substance abuse.

The one absolutely certain connection between cannabis and psychosis is the immediate temporary effect of using the drug. People who take the drug are usually unable to correctly interpret reality, and their emotional reactions to things are often wildly unpredictable and abnormal. They often have mental delusions along with severe paranoia, which are both very common symptoms of schizophrenia. Some cannabis users even suffer from mild auditory and visual hallucinations while under the influence of the drug.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-connection-between-cannabis-and-psychosis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.