The causal link between marijuana use and the development of psychosis is the most well-replicated, high-impact finding in schizophrenia research today.
Cannabis and its main psychoactive ingredient, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), can induce acute psychotic symptoms in healthy individuals, exacerbate preexisting psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, and increase the risk of schizophrenia after long-term use.
The heavier the marijuana use and the more potent the product, the more likely a psychotic outcome like schizophrenia. Daily use of potencies considered only moderate by current U.S. standards increases risk fourfold to fivefold. The risk for using higher potency is just now being studied.
Marijuana-induced psychotic breaks are those most likely to lead to a diagnosis of schizophrenia within eight years.
The risk of schizophrenia among regular cannabis users rises by an average of 300%.
Thirty-five percent of those who experience paranoia, delusions, or auditory hallucinations as occasional symptoms can be expected to eventually transition to a full psychotic break if they continue to use marijuana.
Cannabis Use Disorder carries an increased risk of schizophrenia by fourfold, and 27% of people with schizophrenia had been diagnosed with cannabis use disorder in their lives. JAMA 2021, IASIC.
One of the periods of rapid growth for the human brain occurs from age 12 through 25. This is a crucial period that determines the structure and future functioning of the adult brain.) It is also crucial not to use during this period. As are testimonies show, early pot use leds to the many deaths in this next section.
On December 23, 2021, my son, Josh, took his own life by jumping in front of a train in Pecos, Texas. He was on his way home from California, where he had been dabbing Delta-8 and -9 THC. Joshua left our home in Texas after dabbing marijuana for the full month of December. He decided…
My son, Brant, was a healthy, happy, bright, and normal teenager. He was a senior in high school, had excellent grades, and planned to attend college in the fall. He never had any discipline problems either at school or with the law. Brant had a gentle, quiet, and reflective side to his personality as well…
My younger son, Andy Bauer, ended his own life in September of 2018. I couldn’t understand at that time how my son, a young man with everything going for him, could take his own life. Andy was an amazing young man. Like many others have described their loved ones, Andy was very intelligent and loving. …
Our son Kevin was 15 years old when he started abusing marijuana. He was very good at hiding his use until he came to us and said he was depressed and needed help. We spoke with an educational consultant who evaluated Kevin and recommended a therapeutic wilderness program. This was the beginning of many years…