March 19, 2019

cannabis use and psychosis

Many countries have legalised or decriminalised cannabis use, leading to concerns that this might result in an increase in recreational cannabis use and associated harms. Observational studies and biological evidence support a causal link between cannabis use and psychosis, but until now, it has been unclear whether, at a population level, patterns of cannabis use influence rates of psychosis.

A new study published in Lancet Psychiatry this week is the first to show the impact of recreational cannabis use on population rates of psychosis, highlighting the potential public health impact of changes to cannabis legislation and widespread availability of high potency cannabis.

Speakers

Dr Marta Di Forti, MRC Clinician Scientist at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, UK

Professor Robin Murray, Professor of Psychiatric Research at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, UK

Professor Craig Morgan, Professor of Social Epidemiology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, UK