THE INFLUENCE OF CANNABIS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA - A REVIEW
Artur Hawajski, Weronika Mielnicka, Johannes Nowak, Stella Mieruszyńska, Julia Sławińska, Olga Szeidl, Maja Kołodziejska, Marcin Lewandowski, Anna Cupiał, Jagoda Mikołajczyk
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science March 27, 2026 DOI: 10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4857 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | The review reports that schizophrenia shows strong familial aggregation and sex-related differences in age of onset, with polygenic susceptibility and dopaminergic and glutamatergic dysregulation implicated. High-THC cannabis use, especially during adolescence, is associated with increased risk of psychotic symptoms, earlier onset, and more severe disease progression. The authors argue that rising THC potency and consumption pose public health challenges and that dose-dependent effects matter for prevention and policy. |
Abstract
Background: Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Cannabis use, particularly products with high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, has been identified as a potential environmental risk factor for psychosis.
Aim: This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, and risk factors of schizophrenia, with a particular focus on the impact of marijuana use on the development of psychotic symptoms.
Methods: A narrative synthesis of epidemiological, genetic, neurobiological, and clinical studies was conducted, including analyses of cannabis use, THC potency, and age of first exposure.
Results: Evidence indicates strong familial aggregation of schizophrenia and sex-related differences in the age of onset. Genetic studies highlight polygenic susceptibility, dopaminergic and glutamatergic dysregulation, and the impact of prenatal and early-life exposures. High-THC cannabis use, especially during adolescence, is associated with increased risk of psychotic symptoms, earlier onset, and more severe disease progression. Rising THC concentrations and increasing cannabis consumption pose significant public health challenges.
Conclusions: Understanding the dose-dependent effects of cannabis on schizophrenia is critical for prevention strategies and public health policy, particularly in the context of increasing legalization and product potency.