Cannabis and Psychosis: A Review of the Risk Factors Involved
American Journal of Plant Sciences January 1, 2020 Mohamed Ben Amar 3 citations
Cannabis use is associated with the onset of psychotic symptoms, but whether the link is causal remains controversial. This systematic review of 1653 studies identified six risk factors that increase the likelihood of psychosis among cannabis users, ranked by importance: dose-response relationship (quantity, frequency, and duration of use), early age of first use, genetic susceptibility, childhood trauma, cigarette smoking, and urban environment. In contrast, cannabidiol (CBD) is associated with fewer psychotic symptoms and appears to have antipsychotic properties. The authors conclude that further research is needed to establish a clear causal relationship and to determine how much each risk factor contributes to the onset and persistence of psychosis.