Smoking marijuana can cause early onset of psychosis, study says

By Staff Writer

A new study in the Archives of General Psychiatry reveals that marijuana use during adolescence may lead to an early onset of psychotic illness.

Researchers from the University of New South Wales and Prince of Wales Hospital in Australia examined 83 studies involving more than 8,000 participants who used cannabis or other substances, as well as approximately 14,000 individuals who did not.

The study's authors concluded that people who smoke marijuana developed psychosis about 2.7 years earlier than those who did not use the substance. Participants who used any type of illegal drugs developed the mental disorder about two years before the non-using group.

Researchers revealed a variety of conclusions that the previous studies presented, including one theory that linked cannabis use as a casual factor for schizophrenia. Another hypothesis suggested that marijuana use can trigger psychotic activity in the brains of vulnerable individuals.

The most recent study's authors said that regardless of the cause-and-effect correlation between cannabis and psychosis, all of the research affirms the fact that marijuana is associated with earlier onset. They suggested a renewed public health warning about the potential dangers of using the drug.

Problem teens who use illegal substances may benefit from parental tough love, such as strict curfews, adult-monitored social activities and an elimination of privileges until their behavior improves.