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Fact or Faction Regarding the Relationship between Cannabis Use and Violent Behavior
Dorsa Rafiei1, Nathan J Kolla2
1Ms. Rafiei is a Graduate Student and Dr. Kolla is a Clinician-Scientist, Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada and a Forensic Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|December 11, 2021
Summary
Cannabis use shows a link to violence, but the association is correlational, not causal. The strength of this link varies across different populations, especially those with mental illness.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- The link between cannabis use and violence is not fully understood.
- Cannabis may increase aggression due to irritability and disinhibition.
- This association might be stronger in individuals with psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on cannabis use and violence in adults.
- To determine if cannabis use increases the risk of violent behavior.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of studies published in English until April 2020.
- Searches conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases.
- Included peer-reviewed articles assessing cannabis use and violence perpetration.
Main Results:
- A link exists between cannabis use and violence.
- The relationship is correlational, not definitively causal.
- Association strength varies by population, notably higher in those with severe mental illness.
Conclusions:
- Cannabis use is linked to violence, but causality is not established.
- Findings impact public health, safety, and treatment strategies.
- Further research is needed to clarify the complex relationship.
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