Pubdate: Thu, 17 Feb 2011
Source: GW Hatchet (George Washington U, DC Edu)
Copyright: 2011 The GW Hatchet
Contact: http://www.gwhatchet.com/home/lettertotheeditor/
Website: http://www.gwhatchet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/757
Author: Jared Stokes

STUDY LINKS CANNABIS TO PSYCHOSIS

Marijuana Usage Can Hasten Onset of Mental Illnesses

Marijuana use can accelerate the development of psychotic illnesses 
and leave life-long damage, a study conducted by the GW School of 
Medicine and Health Sciences found.

Researchers discovered that marijuana use can hasten the onset of 
schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders by up to 2.7 years, a 
fact researchers discovered while determining the extent of the link 
between marijuana usage and psychosis.

Patient data from 83 previous studies was re-examined to find the 
link, Dr. Matthew Large, one of the researchers, said.

He also said individuals in mental health facilities and 
schizophrenics are more frequent substance-users.

"Results of this study are conclusive and clarify previously 
conflicting evidence of a relationship between cannabis use and the 
earlier onset of a psychotic illness, with evidence supporting the 
theory that cannabis use plays a causal role in the development of 
psychosis in some patients," Large said.

Large said the study offers "strong evidence" that some psychosis 
cases would be delayed or prevented entirely if cannabis use was 
reduced or eliminated.

Genetics and environmental disorders could also be a factor in the 
connection, or disrupted brain development, according to the study.

The study was conducted jointly by the SMHS and the University of New 
South Wales, and tested more than 20,000 patients.
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