Smoking marijuana increases the risk of schizophrenia

A study from the Lancet has suggested that cannabis users have a 41 per cent increased risk of developing a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia.

 

A team of researchers led by Dr Stanley Zammit from Bristol and Cardiff Universities undertook a meta-analysis of 35 studies. The researchers concluded that there is 'a consistent association between cannabis use and psychotic symptoms, including disabling psychotic disorders'.

 

An accompanying editorial from two Danish researchers suggests that up to 800 schizophrenia cases each year in the UK can be linked to cannabis use.

 

Although this study is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, the researchers emphasise that a randomised controlled trial with a long-term follow-up is required to investigate whether there is a direct link.

 

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