January 24, 2025

Schizophrenia and Marijuana: Why Young Adults Are Most at Risk

Learn how schizophrenia and marijuana are linked, exploring the risks, research, and effects on young adults’ mental health.

Frame 1077241737Medically Reviewed by Dr. Fayz Yar Khan, MD FACP

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Last Update on January 14, 2025

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Cannabis is getting more popular recently, especially among young adults and teenagers.

This is raising concerns about the mental health of young cannabis users.

Some studies are showing a link between schizophrenia and marijuana, especially if you have genetic or mental health predispositions.

This article will teach you and discuss the risks of having cannabis use disorder, cannabis use linked to schizophrenia, and how you can prevent and treat cannabis use disorder.

Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a condition where marijuana use becomes problematic in your life and leads you to dependence and significant life disruptions.

Some signs you should look out for include:

  • You can’t control marijuana use
  • You have cravings or withdrawal symptoms
  • You neglect responsibilities because of cannabis use

 

Cannabis Use Disorder is getting more common, especially among teens and young adults.

Research shows that about 30% of marijuana users may develop CUD, and the risk is higher if you use it at a young age.1

Schizophrenia and Marijuana: What Does the Research Say?

Research shows a link between cannabis use and schizophrenia. Studies show that if you have a genetic predisposition or mental health history, you may be more prone to develop schizophrenia when using marijuana.

THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, affects your brain’s regions involved in cognition and emotion regulation and can trigger psychosis. For example, a study in The Lancet Psychiatry found that high-potency cannabis use was associated with a 400% increase in schizophrenia risk among regular users.2

Does Weed Cause Schizophrenia?

The short answer is no—marijuana doesn’t cause schizophrenia. But it can be a trigger for those who are prone to it.

THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, affects your brain’s chemistry, like dopamine, which plays a big role in mental health. Heavy use of high-potency THC products increases the risk of psychotic episodes, especially if you are vulnerable to schizophrenia.

Why Young Adults Are The Most Vulnerable

The majority of people whose mental health is negatively affected by cannabis are young adults. Your brain is still developing during adolescence and early adulthood, particularly your brain’s decision-making, emotion regulation, and impulse control. THC exposure during this critical period in your brain’s development can disrupt these processes and increase your risk of long-term mental health issues.

A study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that if you started using marijuana before 18, you are 4-7 times more likely to develop cannabis use disorder and mental health problems.3

Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Cannabis-induced psychosis can occur with heavy or prolonged use of marijuana.4

Some symptoms you should look out for are:

  • Having visual hallucinations or hearing things that aren’t real.
  • You are paranoid, or you experience extreme distrust.
  • You’re having disorganized thoughts and speech.
  • You are experiencing confusion or cognitive impairment.

 

Get help now if you or someone you know is facing these symptoms.

Quick Tip: Seek Help for Cannabis Use and Mental Health

If you or anyone you know is struggling with cannabis use and mental health problems, getting treatment can change your life and help you get through it. Cornerstone offers programs that address both substance use and mental health at the same time, making treatment more effective for you and easier for you to get the help you need.

Prevention and Early Intervention

Preventing marijuana-related mental health issues begins with knowledge and support.

Here are some steps you should make sure to keep in mind:

  • Educate Yourself: Make sure you learn about the links between marijuana and psychosis and how it can affect your mental health and trigger schizophrenia.
  • Early intervention: Always address your mental health issues as they come up, as this will help you stop them from overwhelming you and getting worse.
  • Peer pressure: Do your best to learn how to develop ways to resist peer pressure when you can, like having a response ready to decline marijuana.
  • Get help: If cannabis use is a problem in your day-to-day life or if you have psychosis symptoms, get professional help right away. This way, you can get everything you need to live a happier, more stable life.

Treatment Options for Cannabis Use Disorder and Schizophrenia

If you have cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia, they need to be treated together.

Here are ways you can get both treated at the same time:

  • Therapy: CBT helps you identify triggers and learn coping skills.
  • Medication: Antipsychotic medication may be needed for schizophrenia symptoms.
  • Dual diagnosis programs: These programs address both substance use and mental health issues, so you have a full recovery plan.
  • Support network: Having a support system of family, friends, and professionals is key to long-term success.

 

Professional treatment is needed to manage these conditions properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does smoking weed cause schizophrenia?

Marijuana itself doesn’t cause schizophrenia, but it can trigger it if you are genetically or mentally predisposed to it. Heavy or frequent use, especially high-potency cannabis, increases the risk of developing psychosis if you are vulnerable. Staying aware of these risks is extremely important.

Cannabis-induced psychosis may cause you to have hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and disorganized thinking. These symptoms can occur from heavy or prolonged marijuana usage and can be severe. If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek professional help as soon as possible to address the underlying issues and prevent further complications.

If you are a young adult, you are at a greater risk because your brain is still developing, and you are likely more sensitive to THC. This increased sensitivity can disrupt your cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and neural connections and increase your risk of mental health conditions like schizophrenia, especially if you regularly use high-THC cannabis.

Support is always available through professional programs that address cannabis use disorder and mental health if you need help. Dual diagnosis treatments like Cornerstone Healing Center’s programs address your substance use while also treating schizophrenia. Reach out to trusted professionals for guidance and options.

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Key Takeaways

Get Help for Cannabis Use and Mental Health at Cornerstone

The connections between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia show you the importance of education, prevention, and professional support.

If you or a loved one is struggling with cannabis use or mental health issues, Cornerstone Healing Center is here to help.

Our marijuana treatment program is abstinence and recovery-based so you can live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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Author & Reviewers

lionel estrada lisac clinical director
CLINICAL DIRECTOR & REVIEWER

Lionel is the Clinical Director of Cornerstone’s Scottsdale treatment facilities. He has had over 4 years at Cornerstone. He is personally in recovery and passionate about helping others overcome substance abuse and mental health challenges; he is trained as an EMDR, adopting a trauma-informed approach to treat the underlying issues.

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