Cannabis--psychosis pathway independent of other types of psychopathology.
Schizophrenia research November 15, 2005 Robert F Ferdinand, Jan Van der Ende, Ilja Bongers et al.
Cannabis use is specifically linked to later psychotic symptoms, independent of earlier psychopathology. A 14-year follow-up of 1,580 Dutch children initially aged 4 to 16 found that the association between cannabis use and psychotic symptoms remained after accounting for prior behavioral and emotional problems. The study used survival analyses and suggests cannabis use is a specific risk factor for future psychotic symptoms, not merely a consequence of prior mental health issues. This supports prevention efforts targeting cannabis use to potentially reduce psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals.