Schizophrenia Link to Cannabis

An interview with a schizophrenia expert Prof. Robin Murray of the Maudsley Hospital in London has confirmed the clear role of cannabis use in causing schizophrenia.

The biggest predictor of whether somebody would develop schizophrenia was whether they took cannabis or not.

Particularly high risk was those that used cannabis on more than 50 occasions.

Cannabis smokers using more than 3 times a week and starting smoking earlier are at high risk for developing psychosis.

Cannabis users now in their thirties that started smoking by age 18 were one and a half times likely to be psychotic by age 26.

However cannabis users that started using cannabis by age 15 are four and a half times likely to be psychotic by age 26.

Drugs like AMPHETAMINES, SPEED, ICE, COCAINE and CANNABIS all increase the level of dopamine in the human brain which increases the chances of developing a psychosis.

The use of AMPHETAMINES, methamphetamine (SPEED and ICE) and COCAINE also increase the risk of schizophrenia.

(Source: The Health Report, ABC Radio National, 28 August 2006)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-

The link between cannabis use and schizophrenia has been known for almost 20 years.

The link between cannabis use and psychosis is now being clearly established with more recent studies.

The MOST effective way to stop Australians using cannabis is to reduce the demand by diverting users into detoxification and rehabilitation.