A certain habit is triggering the disorder.
A recent study has revealed a notable increase in schizophrenia diagnoses associated with cannabis use disorder following the legalization of marijuana in Canada. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that the percentage of schizophrenia cases connected to cannabis use nearly tripled, rising from 4% prior to legalization to 10%. Dr. Daniel Myran, the lead researcher from the University of Ottawa, expressed concern about the rising number of schizophrenia cases in individuals with a history of cannabis-related problems.
The study analyzed the medical records of Ontario residents aged 14 to 65 from 2006 to 2022, covering both the pre-legalization and post-legalization periods for both medical and recreational marijuana. Over 118,000 people were treated in emergency rooms or hospitalized for cannabis use disorder during this time. Hospitalizations related to cannabis use surged by 270% after recreational marijuana was legalized in 2018.
The research also found that 9% of those with cannabis use disorder later developed schizophrenia, compared to just 0.6% of individuals without such a disorder. The researchers estimated that 10% of new schizophrenia cases could have been prevented if those with cannabis use disorder had ceased using the drug. The risk was particularly high among young men, with 18% of schizophrenia cases in males aged 14 to 24 linked to cannabis use.
While the study does not conclusively prove that heavy cannabis use causes schizophrenia, it suggests that it may exacerbate symptoms and outcomes for those already living with the disorder. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies, especially among younger populations who appear to be at increased risk.
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