Does Cannabis Lead to Psychosis?

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses L. Degenhardt and W. Hall's research and examines their conclusion that cannabis use probably increases the risk of schizophrenia, particularly when it comes to genetically vulnerable individuals. The paper is of the opinion that Degenhardt and Hall's paper should be used only as a summary of general research since the work is limited and perhaps biased. The writer of this paper reveals that he himself remains unconvinced that marijuana usage can cause psychosis in a statistically significant number of individuals.

Outline:
Abstract
Evidence of Research
Method
Identification of Consumers
Interpretation of Findings
Concluding Statements
Utility and Limitations
Personal Reflections

From the Paper:

"Degenhardt & Hall cite growing interest in a possible relationship between schizophrenia and marijuana as a motivator for research. Research is based primarily on exploring two established hypotheses: 1), that heavy cannabis use causes psychosis in those that would otherwise be free of such mental instability; and 2), that cannabis may exacerbate or precipitate schizophrenia in those already predisposed to the condition (2006, pp. 556-567). Evidence must therefore be based on the ability to prove that a link between cannabis and psychosis exists by eliminating other variables. Prior research has determined that cannabis may be linked to schizophrenia and related disorders based on the following various findings: that schizophrenia often follows a history of heavy cannabis consumption; that affected individuals show signs of amnesia and confusion; that some psychotic cannabis users display no personal or family history of the disorder; and evidence that psychosis fades after discontinued use of marijuana and reappears after marijuana use resumes (ibid, p. 557)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Degenhardt, L. & Hall, W. (2006). Is Cannabis Use a Contributory Cause of Psychosis? Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51 (9), 556-565.

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