Consume a very powerful herb increases the risk of psychosis

A new study has linked high-concentration cannabis use with increased risk of psychosis. The research builds on previous studies that have shown a link between consumption of highly concentrated THC products and negative effects on mental health. In this latest study, researchers found a link between cities selling very potent cannabis products and a large number of new cases of psychosis.

There is a known occasional link between cannabis use and psychosis, but many questions remain unanswered, including whether patterns between the two can be observed at the population level. This is the subject of a study recently published in Lancet Psychiatry, where the researchers detail the results consistent with some previous research on the subject.

The study examined cases of people experiencing psychosis for the first time between 2010 and 2015. A total of 901 patients were identified for the study and compared to a control group of 1237 people. Researchers collected data on recreational drug use and cannabis use by these individuals.

Compared with the control group, those who experienced a first episode of psychosis were more likely to smoke cannabis daily, with 29.5% of these participants reporting daily cannabis use. In contrast, only 6.8% of controls reported daily cannabis use. In addition, patients with psychosis in the first episode were more likely to consume high potency cannabis at 37.1% versus 19.4%.

The study is focused on 11 European sites where very potent cannabis-based products are widely available. In these areas, according to the study, daily cannabis users were three times more likely to suffer the first episode of psychosis, compared to people who did not. In cases where daily users consumed products with a high THC content, the number of instances was five times higher.

On the basis of the data collected, the study estimates that the number of cases of psychosis in Amsterdam could rise from 37.9% to 18.8% per 100,000 inhabitants per year if the very potent cannabis products were withdrawn. market.