The Debate Continues On Cannabis Use And The Increased Risk Of Psychosis

[TheResearcher]

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/254881.php

"In his article "Cannabis and psychosis: what causes what?" David Castle of the University of Melbourne argues for a causal link between cannabis use and an increased risk of psychotic symptoms. He does, however, concede that very few cases of schizophrenia would be prevented by a global abolition of cannabis, an argument put forward by Suzanne Gage, Stan Zammit and Matt Hickman of the Universities of Bristol and Cardiff in their article entitled "Stronger evidence is needed before accepting that cannabis plays an important role in the aetiology of schizophrenia in the population".

Gage et al argue that whilst acute psychotic experiences can be linked to cannabis use, the nature of the connection to schizophrenia inevitably remains much less certain. They argue that more robust evidence is required to determine whether preventing cannabis use will have any substantial impact on preventing psychotic disorders in the population, or within specific high-risk subgroups. In their conclusions, both sides agree that cannabis is a public health concern and that the public should be made fully aware of the risks associated with using the drug. Castle states that this particularly applies to those who have a family history of schizophrenia or who have experienced psychosis-like symptoms, as they may be at greater risk."

[Steveg85321]

I have no doubt these scientists are sincere in what they say. Of course they need to write about something because these sort of research projects are how they make their living. But whether they're right or not, why does that give the government the right to keep all of us from something that doesn't hurt us. I've smoked for decades with no psychotic symptoms other than mild euphoria and a hankering for Cheetos (though I do have a nasty cough, I admit). Nearly everyone I know who uses marijuana has about the same experience. I have one friend who doesn't like the thoughts and feelings that result, so guess what - he doesn't smoke pot. I prefer to have my own choice.

[gonzoliberal]

It would never occur to them that people who are in the process of developing psychosit would gravitate towards cannabis to aleviate some of the symptoms.

"Cause and effect" can be SO confusing.

[flyboy56]

Reefer Madness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1jB7RBGVGk

[Jeebus]

Travelling in a fried-out Kombie,
On a hippie trail, head full of Zombie.

[Smokey 1]

It doesn't matter if it did promote psycohosis in some people, our bodies don't belong to the government so they have no legal standing to restrict what citizens put into their bodies.

[Wizard777]

Welcome to the paradox. I think THC has the potential to cause Psychosis. But Marijuana does not. THC is a mild halucinogenic. A person that frequently used pure THC over an extended period time could eventually enter a temporary state of psychosis. The same over decades could possibly even produce a permanent psychosis. But This is not a concern with Marijuana. That's because there is far more to Marijuana than THC. There are about 660 other chemical compunds in Marijuana. One of those chemical compounds is CBD which has antipsychotic properties. In nature there is usually a 1:2 ratio of THC/CBD. So if you though of THC as a poison and CBD as the antidote. In Marijuana for every 1 part poison there is also 2 parts antidote. So the poison will never hurt you because you are taking far more antidote than poison.

This supports the argument that schizophrenics use Marijuana because it relieves their symptoms. This is because of the 1:2 ratio of THC/CBD. There is enough for a 1:1 ratio that would allow the antipsychotic properties of the CBD to cancle out the psychotic potential of the THC. This leaves 1 part CBD to act as a medicine to relieve or reduce the psychosis related to the Schizophrenia.

[skeemer]

Travelling in a fried-out Kombie,
On a hippie trail, head full of Zombie.

She never complains, when I hit Mary
With that flame, I light up the cherry

[Marshan Man]

It doesn't matter if it did promote psycohosis in some people, our bodies don't belong to the government so they have no legal standing to restrict what citizens put into their bodies.

Agreed. I thought researcher was all about freedom and less govt. intrusion in our lives??

[Kenect2]

Meanwhile, alcohol continues to kill tons of people and legal pharmaceuticals have all kinds of bizarre side effects - ambien as one example.

The opposition to cannabis legalization doesn't actually care about any health issue. They only care about controlling others.