The implications of recent findings on the link between cannabis and psychosis
Harold A. Pollack, Peter H. Reuter
Addiction January 15, 2007 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01690.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key points | Argues that evidence linking cannabis use to psychosis, while widely publicized and possibly confounded, would justify changes in clinical practice rather than stricter cannabis laws, because the psychosis effects add only modestly to total cannabis-related harm and tougher enforcement has little evidence of reducing use. |
Abstract
Recent studies have increased long-standing concerns that cannabis use can trigger or exacerbate psychosis and schizophrenia. Widely publicized, these findings have led to calls for tougher laws and/or more aggressive enforcement of prohibitions against cannabis use and distribution [1]. The findings may be confounded by unobserved factors. Even if they prove broadly correct, these findings would still have more implications for clinical practice than for broader public policy. Their policy marginality reflects the fact that the psychosis effects add modestly to the total damage from cannabis use. In addition, there is little evidence that tougher enforcement or laws effectively reduce use.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 3
- Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence The British Journal of Psychiatry January 30, 2004
- Cannabis-induced psychosis and subsequent schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: follow-up study of 535 incident cases The British Journal of Psychiatry November 30, 2005
- Cannabis use and psychosis. Drug and Alcohol Review December 1, 1998