Is cannabis a miraculous wonder drug or a dangerous gateway to psychosis? The debate rages on, but one thing is clear: using cannabis at a young age is linked to higher rates of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
According to experts, cannabis use can trigger psychosis earlier than it would have otherwise occurred. It may even lead to mental illness in otherwise healthy individuals. But the question remains: are those with symptoms of psychosis using cannabis to self-medicate?
A recent study delved into this issue using data from the ABCD Study, tracking the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis symptoms in thousands of young people over four years. The results were intriguing, suggesting a potential link between psychosis symptoms and cannabis use.
While no causal relationship can be definitively proven, the researchers urge caution in interpreting the findings. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, sheds light on the complex interplay between cannabis use and mental health.
