Marijuana and Schizophrenia

The relationship between marijuana use and the onset of schizophrenia or psychosis is significant. While marijuana itself does not directly cause schizophrenia, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can act as a precipitating factor for those already vulnerable to mental health disorders. PACE Recovery offers expert-led dual diagnosis treatment for marijuana and schizophrenia, as well as marijuana psychosis.

Cannabis Schizophrenia

Marijuana use, particularly heavy or chronic use, can increase the risk of psychosis in those predisposed to schizophrenia. While marijuana use alone doesn’t directly cause schizophrenia, it can trigger psychotic episodes in those with a genetic or environmental vulnerability. Studies have revealed that adolescent marijuana use, especially in high doses, is linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia-like symptoms. Additionally, young men have been found to be most susceptible to schizophrenia linked with marijuana use disorder.

Cannabis schizophrenia, or marijuana-induced schizophrenia, occurs when THC disrupts the dopamine system in the brain. This triggers hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking—hallmarks of schizophrenia. For those with a family history of schizophrenia or a genetic predisposition, marijuana can amplify underlying vulnerabilities. Ultimately, this may lead to the onset of these psychotic symptoms.

Schizophrenia vs. Psychosis

It is crucial to differentiate between schizophrenia vs psychosis, particularly when discussing the effects of marijuana. While both conditions involve psychotic symptoms, they differ in terms of duration and underlying causes.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic, lifelong psychiatric disorder. Young men with schizophrenia experience persistent symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. These symptoms typically require long-term management, including medications and psychotherapy. Schizophrenia also often leads to significant functional impairments. These affect a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in daily activities.

Psychosis

Psychosis refers to a temporary break from reality, marked by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. While marijuana can trigger psychosis, especially in those with a predisposition to mental health conditions, psychosis caused by marijuana use is typically temporary and resolves after the drug’s effects wear off and treatment occurs. However, recurrent psychotic episodes can occur in those who continue using marijuana, especially in high doses. The symptoms of marijuana-induced psychosis closely resemble those of schizophrenia, making it difficult to distinguish between the two in some cases. This is especially true when long-term marijuana use leads to persistent psychosis.

Risk Factors for Schizophrenia

While genetic predisposition is a primary vulnerability for schizophrenia, other environmental factors increase the likelihood of developing schizophrenia-like symptoms. Risk factors for schizophrenia include:

Genetic Risk Factors

Family History: Those with a family history of schizophrenia are at a significantly higher risk of developing the condition. Genes can increase susceptibility, making marijuana use a trigger for the disorder in vulnerable individuals, especially young men.
Hereditary Influence: It has been seen that often, the closer the family relation (e.g., sibling or parent) who has schizophrenia, there is a higher risk for the individual to develop the condition.

Environmental and Developmental Risk Factors

Adolescent Marijuana Use: Early use of marijuana during adolescence, when the brain is still developing, has been shown to increase the risk of developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. During this developmental stage, marijuana can disrupt neural circuits that are involved in mood and cognitive control. In turn, this makes the brain more susceptible to psychosis.
Psychosocial Stress: Stress, trauma, or adverse life experiences, especially during formative years, can act as environmental triggers that push young men with a genetic predisposition into psychosis.

Even for individuals without a family history of schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorders, the environmental and developmental risk factors can make them susceptible to marijuana-induced psychosis. In these cases, marijuana acts as a trigger, causing symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. These can mimic those of schizophrenia. Though these symptoms might initially be temporary, the presence of other underlying risk factors, such as brain development issues during adolescence or exposure to trauma, can make the psychosis more persistent. Over time, continued marijuana use in these individuals may lead to chronic psychosis, with symptoms that appear increasingly similar to schizophrenia. This is particularly concerning because the psychosis may not resolve with just discontinuing marijuana. Long-term use could lead to psychotic disorders that require intensive care, even in the absence of a genetic predisposition.

Marijuana Psychosis

Marijuana psychosis occurs when marijuana triggers delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking in those who may or may not have a history of psychiatric disorders. This psychosis can resemble schizophrenia in its symptoms, displaying cognitive and emotional disturbances that disrupt daily functioning.

One of the most common symptoms is hallucinations. This is where young men may experience vivid sensory distortions, such as hearing voices, seeing objects that aren’t present, or even feeling sensations that don’t exist. Another key symptom is delusions, which involve fixed, false beliefs. Examples include thinking one has special powers or believing that others are conspiring against them. Disorganized thinking is also prevalent, with men struggling to communicate coherently. Their thoughts jump from one topic to another without a clear connection. Additionally, paranoia often accompanies marijuana-induced psychosis. This is where men may feel an unfounded fear or suspicion, believing they are being watched or persecuted. These symptoms, though temporary in some cases, can be distressing and disruptive. In cases of repeated use, they can become more persistent and challenging to manage.

Treatment for Cannabis Schizophrenia Is Crucial

These psychotic symptoms often mirror those seen in schizophrenia, which is why marijuana psychosis should be taken seriously and managed promptly to avoid long-term mental health consequences. When marijuana use leads to psychosis, the symptoms can closely resemble those found in schizophrenia. However, while marijuana-induced psychosis may mimic schizophrenia in its acute presentation, it does not necessarily lead to a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

With this, long-term marijuana use can still have significant and lasting effects on an individual’s mental health. For some, repeated episodes of marijuana psychosis can lead to more persistent psychiatric symptoms. In these cases, the psychosis may progress into a chronic condition that resembles schizophrenia. This particularly occurs in those who already have a genetic or environmental predisposition to schizophrenia. However, cannabis schizophrenia is still believed to be distinct from true schizophrenia, as the symptoms may improve or subside if marijuana use is discontinued and proper treatment is initiated.

It’s crucial to address marijuana-induced psychosis early, particularly in those showing signs of prolonged or recurrent psychotic episodes. With early intervention and proper treatment, the potential for long-term psychiatric issues can be minimized. This prevents the transition from temporary psychosis into a more persistent psychotic disorder.

PACE Recovery Marijuana and Schizophrenia Treatment

At PACE Recovery Center, we specialize in treating dual diagnosis—where clients struggle with both mental health disorders and substance use disorders such as marijuana addiction. Our in-depth mental health services address both the psychological symptoms of psychosis and substance use, providing a comprehensive treatment approach for long-term recovery from marijuana and schizophrenia.

We believe in a holistic, integrated approach to treatment that addresses the root issues driving addiction and mental illness. For clients suffering from marijuana psychosis, we offer personalized care plans focused on relapse prevention that include:

Everyday, we focus on empowering our clients to fulfill their own particular dreams by providing them with the tools they need to thrive in recovery. Whether it’s through group therapy, family programming, or personalized counseling, we ensure that clients are fully equipped to manage their mental health and avoid future episodes of marijuana psychosis.

Create Effective Change, Reach Out Today

With our industry-leading programming and a team of experts in the successful resolution of addiction and mental health issues in young men, we provide a path to recovery for even the most serious of cases. Our goal is to help young men regain control of their lives and achieve a new pattern of lifelong change. Reach out today to learn more and receive life-changing treatment for you or a loved one.