Cannabis Use Disorder Potentially Linked to Higher Risk of Schizophrenia in Young Men
A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that cannabis use disorder can potentially lead to a greater risk of schizophrenia in young men. Published in Psychological Medicine, the study collaborates with researchers at the Mental Health Services in Denmark. The United States team was led by researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a division of the NIH.
Using the latest deep data technology, the study examines the records of six million people over fifty years in Denmark. Compiling the information, the results revealed a potential connection between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and schizophrenia. Moreover, the risk for young men appears to be the greatest of all the populations in the study. As a provider of cannabis use disorder recovery services for youth, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) recognizes the importance of these implications. Indeed, they provide one more reason for young people to be careful when it comes to experimenting with marijuana.
Legalization Dangers and Cannabis Use Disorder
Moreover, the challenge of cannabis use disorder by youth is worse today than ever before. Indeed, the legalization of marijuana in California opens the door to dependence and addiction. Hence, kids are willing to smoke pot today.
In high school, the rates of marijuana use are increasing. Thus, being legal, more kids are willing to try marijuana at younger ages. Such numbers mean more kids susceptible to schizophrenia will now be experimenting with the drug.
According to the study, “Young males might be particularly susceptible to the effects of cannabis on schizophrenia. At a population level, assuming causality, one-fifth of cases of schizophrenia among young males might be prevented by averting CUD. Results highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of CUD and policy decisions regarding cannabis use and access, particularly for 16–25-year-olds.”
Cannabis Use Disorders and Schizophrenia
Although not 100% conclusive, the study’s findings suggest that caution is the best path to take. There appears to be a pathway between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia in young men. As a provider of youth mental health services, TTC believes that safety needs to be a priority. Once a mental health condition like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder sets in, a lifetime challenge is underway. Therefore, prevention efforts to protect young men and teenage boys potentially at risk are a priority.
If your child is experimenting with marijuana, please do not ignore the dangers. Given the power of today’s smokables and edibles, cannabis use disorder is all too common. To protect your child, please get in touch with us today to learn about TTC’s Youth Services.