Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
[Cannabis use as a probable causative factor in the later development of schizophrenia]
1Trimbos-instituut, Centrum Preventie en Kortdurende Interventie, Postbus 725, 3500 AS Utrecht. fsmit@trimbos.nl
Objective:
To study the role of cannabis use in the onset of symptoms and disorders in the schizophrenia spectrum.
Design:
Literature study.
Method:
Hypothetical explanations of the relationship between cannabis use and subsequent schizophrenia were assessed on the basis of the results of five large longitudinal studies.
Results:
Because cannabis use preceded the development of schizophrenia and as a result of statistical control for possible confounders, the following explanations could be rejected: 'cannabis is used as self-medication for schizophrenia', 'schizophrenia is not caused by cannabis but by other drugs that are used concurrently', and 'cannabis use and schizophrenia are both caused by other factors'. Two explanations then remained: 'cannabis use per se contributes in a unique manner to the risk' and 'cannabis use, in interaction with other risk factors, leads to an increase in the risk'.
Conclusion:
There are strong indications that cannabis use increases the risk of the subsequent development of symptoms and disorders in the schizophrenia spectrum.
Related Concept Videos
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Schizophrenia
Positive Symptoms Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
Hallucinations
Hallucinations in...
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids

