Cannabis May Cause Schizophrenia, University of Calgary Researcher Warns
Matthew Hill, of the University of Calgary's Hotchkiss Brain Institute has published a Perspective piece in the journal Nature voicing his concerns about other academics and journalists who suggest that cannabis use causes schizophrenia. He points out that there is little evidence of such a connection and suggests that there is actually evidence that cannabis use does not cause the mental disorder.
Cannabis use has been in the news a lot of late, particularly in the U.S. where some states have made it legal to smoke marijuana—the common name for cannabis. But because it is a hot-button topic, some, particularly those opposed to its use, have taken to looking for reasons to stop the movement—and one of those arguments is that it causes schizophrenia. The problem with that, as Hill notes, is that no one has ever proved it to be true. He notes that it is almost certainly not true, noting that the incidence of schizophrenia has not gone up since cannabis use in Europe and the U.S. rose sharply after the 1960's. Also, he notes, countries where a large part of the population use cannabis do not have a higher percentage of schizophrenia patients than countries where few if any people use the drug. Hill does point out that it appears that cannabis use might bring on schizophrenia earlier for those who are going to develop the disorder anyway.
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Cannabis use has been in the news a lot of late, particularly in the U.S. where some states have made it legal to smoke marijuana—the common name for cannabis. But because it is a hot-button topic, some, particularly those opposed to its use, have taken to looking for reasons to stop the movement—and one of those arguments is that it causes schizophrenia. The problem with that, as Hill notes, is that no one has ever proved it to be true. He notes that it is almost certainly not true, noting that the incidence of schizophrenia has not gone up since cannabis use in Europe and the U.S. rose sharply after the 1960's. Also, he notes, countries where a large part of the population use cannabis do not have a higher percentage of schizophrenia patients than countries where few if any people use the drug. Hill does point out that it appears that cannabis use might bring on schizophrenia earlier for those who are going to develop the disorder anyway.
Hey, check out all the research scientist jobs. Post your resume today!