Cannabis Use in Adolescents Linked to Higher Risk of Psychotic Disorder
A recent study published in Psychological Medicine has shed light on the strong association between cannabis use and the risk of psychotic disorder in adolescents. Conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto, the study analyzed data from a population-based survey spanning from 2009 to 2012, linked with health services records up to 2018. The study included 11,363 respondents aged 12 to 24 years with no prior history of psychotic disorder.
What Does the Study Reveal About Cannabis Use and Psychotic Disorders?
The analysis revealed a significant association between cannabis use and psychotic disorders during adolescence, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 11.2 compared to no cannabis use. However, this association was not observed in young adults. The researchers noted a strengthening of the association during adolescence when the outcome was restricted to hospitalizations and emergency department visits only, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 26.7.
Implications for Public Health and Prevention Strategies
The findings of this study provide new evidence of the age-dependent association between cannabis use and the risk of psychotic disorder, highlighting the vulnerability of adolescence to the effects of cannabis. With the recent increase in cannabis potency, the authors emphasize the importance of targeted prevention strategies and public health interventions to address this concerning trend. As policymakers and healthcare professionals work to educate youth about the potential risks of cannabis use, further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying this association and inform evidence-based interventions.
