A new study warns using marijuana on a daily basis can increase one's risk of developing a psychotic disorder.
Three in 100 people will at some point in their lives experience a psychotic episode, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Consuming high-potency cannabis on a daily bases can increase a person's risk of having a psychotic episode."During an episode of psychosis, an individual might have altered perceptions. Their thought processes might be different and they might lose contact with reality completely," Dr Jennifer Treusch told a news portal. Adding, "For example, they might have hallucinations where they're seeing a thing or hearing voices or they might have false belief systems."
Data from the study revealed using weed every day tripled the risk of having a psychotic episode. The study also found the risk was higher for those using high-potency weed on a daily basis. More than 10 per cent of THC is considered high-potency cannabis. "And it gets even worse for people who use high-potency marijuana. They have a five-times greater odds of having a psychotic episode," Treusch revealed.
Researchers believe that the link between weed and a psychotic episode boils down to how cannabis influences a chemical called dopamine in the brain. This chemical has been found to affect us in a way we can experience hallucinations. While this is one of the theories, more conclusive evidence is needed to confirm if this is in fact true. "Unfortunately, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule 1 substance by the FDA and thus hasn't been studied completely. We would greatly benefit from having studies done so that we could completely understand what marijuana is doing to the body and mind," Treusch told a news portal.
Marijuana is a drug that comes from the cannabis plant. It is generally used for medical and recreational purposes. However, it has become increasingly popular, especially since it has been legalised in many parts of the United States.It has become a huge trend and is being used in many ways including beauty and skin care products. CBD-infused skin care products have been found to reduce redness and treat acne and so much more. While there are a lot of benefits, experts want people to also be aware of the cons.
The number of people expected to try this psychoactive drug is growing and is expected to be on the rise, according to many surveys. Change in attitudes towards the drug is one of the reasons it has gained so much popularity. Relaxation, pain relief and fun are the biggest reasons people use it.Because of its popularity, researchers want people to better understand more about the drug in order to use it carefully and responsibly.
The study's findings were originally published in The Lancet Psychiatry.