Delusions of a Causal Relationship

The wave of cannabis legalization exposes many to its therapeutic benefits, but it also promotes a healthy discussion of its risks. The heightened risk for cannabis users to develop schizophrenia is a common fear among those skeptical of cannabis’ safety. After all, since the 1960s, scientists have described numerous cases of cannabis-induced psychosis, and this has been extended to suggest that cannabis can even cause schizophrenia. Yet, many push back, touting cannabis’ therapeutic potential to treat psychotic symptoms. How do we reconcile these arguments? Can cannabis be both a gift and a curse?

Several recent scientific studies suggest that cannabis may be an unjustified villain in the schizophrenia scare. Instead of cannabis causing schizophrenia, those at risk for developing schizophrenia are more likely to use cannabis, which in part may be driven by its self-medicating properties.

A Brief Primer on Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex syndrome that affects around one