Cannabis abuse linked to risk of schizophrenia: study

Schizophrenia associated with marijuana is on the rise.

A new study in Denmark has found that over the past 25 years, the number of schizophrenia cases linked to cannabis use has increased: while only 2% of schizophrenia diagnoses in 1995 were associated with marijuana use , in 2010, this figure had increased. at about 8 percent.

The authors of the study, published Wednesday in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, believe their findings reflect that cannabis, despite its positive reputation over other recreational drugs, can be dangerous and have serious medical side effects.

To reach this conclusion, they analyzed decades of data from Denmark’s National Health Register, focusing on extreme users with cannabis processing disorders. (The herb is illegal in Denmark, although for medicinal use.)

“Unfortunately, there is evidence to suggest that cannabis is increasingly viewed as a somewhat harmless substance. This is unfortunate because we are seeing links with schizophrenia, lower cognitive function, substance use disorders, ”the study author and associate professor at the Research Center told CNN. Copenhagen for mental health, Carsten Hjorthøj. “I think it’s very important to use both our study and other studies to emphasize and stress that cannabis use is not harmless.”

The fact that cannabis users have an increased likelihood of becoming schizophrenic is well established, but the researchers believe their findings show that the problem is getting worse and becoming more prevalent.

“Of course, our results will have to be replicated elsewhere before we can draw any firm conclusions,” said Hjorthøj. “But I’m pretty confident that we’ll see similar patterns in places where problematic cannabis use has increased, or where potency of cannabis has increased, as numerous studies suggest that high potency cannabis is likely driving it. ‘association with schizophrenia. “

In an accompanying commentary, experts noted that the majority of schizophrenia diagnoses are not due to cannabis use, but it is enough if the problem is still valid.

“Cannabis use disorder is not responsible for most cases of schizophrenia, but it is responsible for a significant and growing proportion. This should be taken into account in discussions regarding the legalization and regulation of cannabis use, ”wrote Tyler J. VanderWeele, professor at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, CNN reported.