Early Cannabis Use Linked to Schizophrenia Symptoms by Ralph Teller

Marijuana use before the age of 14 years "strongly predicted" schizotypal symptoms

A recent study provides further support for a strong association of early cannabis (pot) use with the development of psychosis symptoms characteristic of disorders in Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD) from adolescence to middle adulthood.

The study by Deidre Anglin (The City College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York) and Cheryl Corcoran (College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University) published in Schizophrenia Research gathered data from 804 participants.

The researchers report that cannabis use before the age of 14 years "strongly predicted" schizotypal symptoms in adulthood, independent of other factors such as major depression, anxiety, other drug use, and cigarette use.

Marijuana use can lead to a loss of brain volume

There is mounting evidence that Marijuana use is harmful to both psychologic and physical health. In a separate study recently published in the British Journal of Psychiatry researchers found Marijuana use can lead to a loss of brain volume in individuals who are at risk of developing schizophrenia.

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