By While cannabis has been used by mankind for centuries, we often overlook the impact it has on the brains of younger people. We discuss this in the following article.
What is the relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia? You may have heard that marijuana or its psychoactive substance, THC, is responsible for this serious mental illness. Well, the first thing to clarify is that this depressant drug does not itself cause this mental disorder. However, it can trigger it in those who already have a genetic predisposition.
Cannabis is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances among teenagers and young adults. Persistent use by people with immature and developing brains can present worrying risks and side effects.
Although we are dealing with a compound with a long tradition in our cultures, whose administration is legal in some countries, it is important to know its contraindications.
According to various studies, people with schizophrenia are the ones who abuse cannabis the most due to its relaxing effect.
Cannabis: what it is and what its effects are
Cannabis or marijuana is a group of three plants with psychoactive properties: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. When its leaves, stems or flowers are dried, they are consumed in order to benefit from their relaxing effects. This explains its recreational and medical uses.
On the other hand, it is interesting to know that cannabis contains more than 120 components or cannabinoids . But science still does not know exactly the functionality or effects of all of them. So far, pharmaceutical industries focus their interest on two key substances, which are the following:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive substance in cannabis. It is responsible for the classic “high” due to the stimulation it generates in neurons to release dopamine .
- CBD. It is used to relieve inflammation and pain; however, studies such as those published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology argue that the mechanisms of this cannabidiol are not yet fully understood and we therefore need more research on the subject.
What effects does marijuana have?
Cannabis is considered a “harmless” drug with gratifying relaxing effects, although its apparent harmlessness has been questioned in scientific literature for decades. A study reported in A Journal of Cerebral Circulation focuses on those who most often use this substance: young people.
The impact on the brain, in case of prolonged consumption, can be very harmful. Let us analyze, however, how the body and mind react under the effects of marijuana.
Short-term effects
- Dizziness.
- Relaxation.
- Pain relief.
- Feeling of well-being.
- Increased creativity .
- Altered sensoriality.
- Variation in space-time perception.
Long-term effects
- Nausea.
- Lethargy.
- Irritability.
- Bronchodilation.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Memory problems.
- Psychotic episodes .
- Increased anxiety.
- Attention disturbances.
- Drop in blood pressure.
- Increased aggression.
- Slow reaction time.
- Difficulty processing information.
- Research such as that carried out at the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona, Spain, highlights that acute and chronic adverse effects can appear on both physical and mental health.
- Cannabis or marijuana can become an addictive drug . Studies such as those published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology indicate that the neurobiological changes caused by this substance are similar to those of other addictions, although with less impact on the brain.
Cannabis use is increasing every year among young men aged 16 to 25. This translates into an increase in the rates of schizophrenia, since THC acts as a trigger for the disease if the person already has an underlying genetic predisposition.
Cannabis and schizophrenia: uses and risks
Cannabis and schizophrenia are a variable of great interest in the fields of psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience. The idea that persistent consumption of this drug acts as a trigger for this mental illness is often reinforced.
As mentioned at the beginning, marijuana can be dangerous if a person already has a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia. We will discuss this in detail.
Cannabis and schizophrenia in men
Cannabis use is a proven risk factor for young people between 16 and 25 years of age. We have very recent studies such as those published in the journal Psychological Medicine , which provide us with significant information that should be taken into account, especially in light of the processes of legalisation of marijuana that many countries are implementing.
This research, carried out with 6,907,859 people, tells us that one-fifth of cases of schizophrenia among young men could be prevented by avoiding cannabis use.
- Marijuana use is particularly significant among young men, who are more likely to develop this psychiatric disorder, provided they have a genetic predisposition.
- Cannabis use disorder has increased in recent years . This is a risk factor for the increase in patients with schizophrenia, since THC acts as a trigger in the cases already mentioned.
- It is also important to note that THC can trigger and/or worsen schizophrenia itself , if the patient has already developed it. Remember that this psychiatric disorder shows its symptoms between the ages of 18 and 25, on average.
Why do people with schizophrenia use cannabis?
It is very common for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia to smoke marijuana for its relaxing effects . Many people say they feel more focused, with a greater sense of well-being and inner calm. This perception also makes them believe that, thanks to cannabis, psychotic episodes will be reduced.
However, the scientific community has already seen through various studies that this perception is wrong. Since cannabis compounds are an element of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry, their therapeutic use in this sector of the population is being investigated.
There is still no conclusive evidence that cannabis has a positive benefit on the symptoms and cognition of patients with schizophrenia (Ahmed et al. 2021). We would need more studies that focused on better analyzing the doses, the method of administration or the characteristics of the patients themselves.
The scientific community understands that more research is needed to understand the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. However, its legalization can put numerous groups at risk, such as young people with still immature brains who are constantly consuming it.
Cannabis as a psychedelic therapy
We already know the link between cannabis and schizophrenia and we are aware, at the same time, of the risks of continuous consumption of this psychoactive drug. But what about its therapeutic use? Many patients with chronic pain or who are undergoing chemotherapy benefit from the administration of marijuana.
In recent years , cannabis has also become part of psychedelic therapy, along with MDMA, psilocybin and ayahuasca . These are therapeutic models assisted by specialists, in which the patient is in a controlled clinical context at all times.
Cannabis is administered in very specific microdoses, in order to address histories of trauma or post-traumatic stress. Frontiers in Psychiatry describes the benefits in one case and also highlights the need to increase explorations in this field, especially in more serious cases such as complex trauma. We will be waiting for more advances.