New Research Links Cannabis Use to Mental Health Disorders
Teenagers who use cannabis are significantly more likely to develop psychotic disorders, according to a study published on Wednesday. The research, led by the University of Toronto, adds to the mounting evidence connecting marijuana use with an increased risk of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression, particularly during adolescence.
Key Findings of the Study
The study revealed that teenagers who had used cannabis in the past year faced an 11-fold higher risk of developing psychotic disorders compared to non-users. This risk surged to a 27-fold increase when focusing on emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Leslie Hulvershorn, a child psychiatrist and chair of the psychiatry department at Indiana University, observed that it’s uncommon to encounter youths with psychotic symptoms who are not heavy cannabis users. Hulvershorn emphasized the significant association between cannabis use and psychotic symptoms in adolescents.
Andre McDonald, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral research fellow at McMaster University, stressed the importance of advising teens against using cannabis. Delaying cannabis use until the brain is more fully developed could have positive public health implications.
Implications of Cannabis Use
While not all teenagers who use cannabis will develop psychotic disorders, the potential severity of these conditions is concerning. Although the study does not definitively prove that marijuana causes psychotic disorders, the strong correlation suggests a significant link.
Dr. Kevin Gray, a professor of psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina, highlighted a particular vulnerability in brain development during adolescence that might explain the increased risk. This period may represent a window during which cannabis use is particularly detrimental.
Current Trends and Legal Status
Despite the risks, marijuana use among high school students has remained steady. According to the 2023 Monitoring the Future Survey, nearly one in three 12th graders reported using cannabis in the past year.
The Biden administration is considering rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which would acknowledge its medical benefits federally. Currently, cannabis is legal for recreational use in 24 states.
Study Details
Published in the journal Psychological Medicine, the study analyzed data from over 11,000 teens and young adults aged 12 to 24 at the study’s outset. The researchers utilized data from the Canadian Community Health Survey conducted between 2009 and 2012 and followed participants for up to nine years to track hospital visits related to psychotic disorders.
Approximately five out of six teens hospitalized or visiting emergency rooms for psychotic disorders had reported previous cannabis use. This finding underscores the heightened risk during adolescence, possibly due to disruptions in the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in brain signaling and perception of reality.
In summary, the study highlights the critical need for awareness and preventive measures regarding cannabis use among teenagers to mitigate the risk of developing severe mental health disorders.