Helping provide families with a reason to hope and the means to cope.
It is important to understand the impacts of cannabis use on symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis.
More studies are needed to fully understand the impacts of cannabis on schizophrenia and psychosis, but the risks of cannabis use are clear. Cannabis can trigger an earlier onset of schizophrenia for those already predisposed to this mental illness. Continued cannabis use after the development of a psychotic disorder has also been linked to poorer treatment adherence and increased relapse.
Cannabis & schizophrenia
Given the links between cannabis use and the development of schizophrenia, it is important to learn as much as possible about the risks of cannabis use.
Cannabis use can increase the likelihood of developing schizophrenia for people who are already at risk based on genetics, life history, and environmental factors. Using cannabis to self-medicate after a psychotic disorder has developed can also increase symptoms, reduce treatment adherence, and increase relapses. The risks of cannabis use increase with heavier use, stronger cannabis, and are greater for young people whose brains are still developing.
It is important for people who may be at risk of schizophrenia and their families to learn about the risks of cannabis use and how to minimize those risks. The BC Schizophrenia Society provides essential information and resources to help increase understanding of cannabis use.
Is using marijuana safe for everyone? Can it impact our brains? What about mental illness? Cannabis use can directly affect those who are predisposed to mental illness, and it is important to understand what our risks are before use. Learn about cannabis use and mental illness as we discuss the topic with Dr. Deborah Thompson in a conversation led by our youth.
Cannabis and Psychosis – A Brief Guide
A handout recently developed by the B.C. Early Psychosis Advanced Practice Program and given to caregivers that summarizes the current research.
HeretoHelp Fact Sheet on Cannabis and Psychosis
A fact sheet on cannabis and psychosis provided by the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information, a group of non-profit agencies providing good-quality information to help individuals and families maintain or improve their mental well-being.
HeretoHelp Brochure on Safer Cannabis Use
A brochure on safer cannabis developed by the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research who is a member of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information.
World Health Organization Management of Substance Abuse-Cannabis
A fact sheet done by the World Health Organization on the management of substance abuse and cannabis.
HeretoHelp Brochure Learn About Cannabis
A brochure to teach people about cannabis. It was created by the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research in partnership with HeretoHelp and funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority.
Cannabis & Psychosis – A project of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada that provides comprehensive and accessible information to help young people better understand the issue so they can make informed decisions about cannabis use. This website explores the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis.
Medical Marijuana for Schizophrenia: Weighing the the Risks and Benefits – A great article that looks the pros and cons of medical marijuana. Even though the author is from Portland, Oregon, her recommendations for connecting with a medical professional are sound.
Dr. Caroline MacCallum and GreenLeaf developed a list of helpful cannabis resources.
Teen Mental Health has a website to provide easy access to information about cannabis.
Canadian Association of Mental Health’s Cannabis page – An online resource of information and details about cannabis, effects, and what are the risks around cannabis use.
BC EPI Advanced Practice “Cannabis and Psychosis: A Review of the Links”– A summary of a larger review that attempts to provide overall findings linking psychosis and cannabis. Created by Dr. Tom Ehmann (BC Early Psychosis Intervention Advanced Practice (EPI)) and Dr. Alasdair Barr (UBC Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics).
“Implications of Cannabis Legalization on Youth and Young Adults” – A position statement by the Canadian Psychiatric Association focused on youth and young adults as mental illness and substance use disorders often begin in this age group, with the objective of ensuring optimal mental health outcomes
Practice Standard Cannabis for Medical Purposes – A position statement by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C.
BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information
BCSS News, BCSS Youth
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Advocacy & Public Policy, BCSS News
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BCSS Youth
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