Marijuana and Schizophrenia are Definitely Linked

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• Marijuana and Schizophrenia are Definitely Linked
• From the HealthyPlace Mental Health Blogs
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• Mental Health Quote

Marijuana and Schizophrenia are Definitely Linked

Marijuana use can lead to psychosis and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia in some people. Research has shown connections between marijuana, the brain, and schizophrenia:

• Cannabis interferes with executive functioning, which includes such skills as memory, emotional regulation, planning, problem-solving, inhibition, organization, starting tasks, and processing information.
• It interacts with the dopamine system in the brain, impacting the experiencing of psychosis.
• Daily use can increase schizophrenia’s negative symptoms like decreased motivation, flat emotions, and an inability to feel pleasure.
• Smoking marijuana daily has been shown to increase a vulnerable user’s risk of developing schizophrenia by almost five times, and it can cause people to develop schizophrenia six years earlier than others who don’t use the substance (causes of schizophrenia).
• Using cannabis can worsen schizophrenia in those who already have the illness.

While a definitive link between schizophrenia and cannabis has been found, it seems to primarily apply to those with a genetic disposition for schizophrenia or who are adolescents (because of the still-developing brain).

If you use or plan to use marijuana, knowing your family history and respecting your age can help keep your brain safe and healthy.

Sources
Basa, E. (2018). Health Canada warns cannabis use linked to schizophrenia. Narcity. Retrieved October
2019 from https://www.narcity.com/news/health-canada-warns-cannabis-use-linked-to-schizophrenia

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Is there a link between marijuana use and psychiatric
disorders? National Institutes on Health: National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved October 2019 form https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/there-link-between-marijuana-use-psychiatric-disorders

Related Articles Dealing with Marijuana, Schizophrenia, and Mental Health

• What is Marijuana? Information on Marijuana
• How Marijuana Affects the Body and Brain
• Schizophrenia and Weed: Is Cannabis Helpful or Hurtful?
• Marijuana and Schizophrenia
• Is Marijuana Harmful? Positive and Negative Effects of Marijuana, Weed
• Does Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) Help Your Anxiety?
• Marijuana and Depression: A Depressant or Treatment

Your Thoughts

Today's Question: : Have you noticed a connection, positive or negative, between using marijuana and your mental health? We invite you to participate by sharing your thoughts, experiences, and knowledge on the HealthyPlace Facebook page.

From the HealthyPlace Mental Health Blogs

On all our blogs, your comments and observations are welcomed.

• Behavioral Addictions vs. Substance Addictions Recovery
• Comforting Ourselves As We Cope with Depression
• 6 Ways to Release Anxiety and Stress from Your Body
• Are You Getting Caught in These 3 Common Thinking Traps?
• 4 Things to Remember When You Have BPD
• Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking
• Childhood Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues
• Accept Your Introversion for Peace of Mind

Feel free to share your thoughts and comments at the bottom of any blog post. And visit the mental health blogs homepage for the latest posts.

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Most Popular HealthyPlace Articles Shared by Facebook Fans

Here are the top 3 mental health articles HealthyPlace Facebook fans are recommending you read:

1. Stop a Panic Attack in Public in 4 Steps
2. Does Non-Verbal Mental Health Stigma Exist?
3. Forms of Verbal Abuse: Insults and Their Delivery

If you're not already, I hope you'll join us/like us on Facebook too. There are a lot of wonderful, supportive people there.

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Mental Health Quote

"The bravest thing ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die."

Read more mental health quotes.

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