Unravelling the Cannabis-Psychosis Connection
Recent research has delved into the much-debated topic of the association between cannabis potency and mental health symptoms, particularly psychosis. The findings of this study, conducted by a team at the University of Bath, may surprise many and challenge prevailing notions.
Key Findings of the Study
Researchers embarked on a comprehensive study to understand the relationship between high potency cannabis and potential mental health repercussions. Their methodology was robust, encompassing multiple data sources and methods, including self-reporting and objective measures of cannabis potency.
Study Methodology
The study involved 410 participants aged between 16-24 years, all of whom had consumed cannabis at least once a month for a year. Notably, almost half of these participants were daily consumers. Each participant provided a 0.3g sample of the cannabis they intended to smoke. The study was conducted in the participants' homes on two separate occasions - once when they were intoxicated and once when they were not.
Results and Implications
The cannabis samples were tested for THC concentrations. Participants were also subjected to a series of questionnaires and scales that measured various factors, including their preference for potency, cannabis dependence, and levels of anxiety, depression, and psychosis-like symptoms.
- The study found no direct association between more potent cannabis and an increased risk of dependence or psychosis-like symptoms.
- While there was a slight inclination towards higher potency cannabis being associated with a higher risk of cannabis dependence, this correlation disappeared after adjusting for the frequency of use.
- There was only weak evidence suggesting a minor association between cannabis potency and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The authors of the study concluded that more evidence is required to understand the relationship between cannabis potency and symptoms of depression. They also emphasized that no clear association was found between THC concentration in cannabis and cannabis dependence or psychosis-like symptoms.
Contextualising the Findings
This research is a significant addition to a series of recent studies that aim to elucidate the relationship between cannabis and psychosis.
Earlier research has similarly found no significant association between cannabis use and the onset or persistence of psychosis symptoms. Another study from 2021, which examined the relationship between adolescent cannabis use and adult-onset psychosis, found no evidence suggesting that higher cannabis consumption during adolescence led to a higher likelihood of developing psychosis in adulthood.
