Cannabis 'increases risk of psychotic illness'

Cannabis could increase the risk of developing a psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia, later in life, according to a new study.

The study, published in The Lancet, was conducted by Dr Stanley Zammit from Bristol and Cardiff Universities and colleagues at the universities of Bristol, Cambridge and Imperial College London.

Researchers analysed 35 studies dated up to 2006 and assessed the strength of evidence for a casual relationship between cannabis use and the occurrence of psychotic or other mental health disorders.

The study, funded by the Department of Health and based in the University of Bristol, found that individuals who used cannabis were 41% more likely to have any psychosis than those who had never used the drug.

The risk increased relative to dose, with the most frequent cannabis users more than twice as likely to have a psychotic outcome.

The report's authors estimated that if cannabis had a casual relationship with psychosis, around 14% of psychotic illnesses in young adults in the UK could be prevented if cannabis were not consumed.

However, researchers said that there was little good evidence suggesting that cannabis use increases the risk of depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety and said that further research could help to decide whether or not there was a link.

Professor Glyn Lewis from the University of Bristol and senior author on the paper said: "It is difficult to be certain about whether cannabis use causes psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia. It is possible that the people who use cannabis might have other characteristics that themselves increase risk of psychotic illness.

"However, all the studies have found an association and it seems appropriate to warn members of the public about the possible risk."

Dr Zammit added: "Policymakers want to provide the public with advice about this widely used drug. However, even if cannabis does cause an increase in risk of developing psychosis most people who use cannabis will not develop such an illness.

"Nevertheless, we would still advise people to avoid or limit their use of this drug, especially if they start to develop any mental health symptoms or if they have relatives with psychotic illnesses."

Cannabis, or marijuana, is the most commonly used illegal substance in most countries, including the UK and USA. It has been reported that around 20% of young people now report using cannabis at least once per week.

(KMcA)