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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
[Cannabis and psychosis].
1Psykiatrisk Afdeling, H:S Bispebjerg Hospital, DK-2400 København NV. merete.nordentoft@dadlnet.dk
Cannabis use is consistently linked to a doubled risk of developing psychosis or schizophrenia later in life. This association holds even when accounting for genetic predispositions and social factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Cannabis Research
Context:
- Longitudinal studies examine cannabis use and mental health outcomes.
- Research includes general population and conscript cohorts.
- Data collected via interviews and register-based follow-ups.
Purpose:
- To review existing longitudinal studies on cannabis use and psychosis risk.
- To synthesize findings on the association between cannabis consumption and schizophrenia.
- To quantify the risk associated with cannabis use.
Summary:
- A consistent finding across reviewed studies indicates cannabis use elevates the risk of later psychosis.
- The adjusted odds ratio for psychosis following cannabis use is approximately 2.
- This association remains significant after controlling for mental illness predisposition and socio-demographic factors.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential public health implications of widespread cannabis use.
- Informs clinical risk assessment for individuals using cannabis.
- Underscores the need for further research into the mechanisms underlying this association.
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