Regular cannabis use can be linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. But most research seems to have a focus on the link between psychosis and cannabis.Using cannabis can increase the risk of developing psychotic illness, including schizophrenia. There is an overwhelming amount of evidence to show a link between the use of stronger cannabis and psychotic illnesses, including schizophrenia.Cannabis can increase the chance of developing schizophrenia at an earlier age. This is due to high THC levels having an effect onthe brain that induces schizophrenia.Cannabis may be one of the causes of developing a mental illness, but it isn’t the only cause for many people.
Not everyone who uses cannabis will develop psychosis or schizophrenia. And not everyone who has psychosis or schizophrenia has used cannabis. But you are more likely to develop a psychotic illness if you smoke cannabis. And you are ‘genetically vulnerable’ to mental health problems.‘Genetically vulnerable’ means that you are naturally more likely to develop a mental health problem. For example, if people in your family have a mental illness, you may be more likely to develop a mental health problem. If someone in your family has depression or schizophrenia, you are at higher risk of getting these illnesses when you use cannabis.
Cannabis can have the following effects.
- Long term use can have a permanent effect on how well you think and concentrate.
- Smoking cannabis can cause a serious relapse if you have a psychotic illness.
- Regular cannabis use can lead to an increased risk of later developing mental illness. Especially if you use cannabis when you are young.
Psychosis and schizophrenia
What is the difference between psychosis and schizophrenia?
Psychosis and schizophrenia aren’t the same illness.Psychosis is the name given to symptoms or experiences, which include hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations make someone experience things differently to other people. This might be seeing things or hearing voices. Delusions are when people have unusual beliefs that other people don’t have.
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects how someone thinks or feels. Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations and delusions. But often it will have other symptoms like feeling flat or emotionless, or withdrawing from other people. This is a very unstable condition that can be very detrimental to daily life functions.
Getting help
Having a healthy support system is very important. This can be family, friends or even work colleagues. Having these types of people in your corner to be supportive and understanding of your situation can make all the difference in the world. When dealing with mental health, it is very common and recommended to seek professional help. Treating Mental health can be very difficult and complicated to navigate. Can-Am Interventions specializes in treating mental health issues. We are here to bring clarity and understanding about your condition and to provide treatment options for your path to recovery. We are with you every step of the way to provide treatment and ongoing council as needed until you are in a stable, and comfortable position in your life. The first step to recovery is one call away.
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