

Evidence indicates a relationship between marijuana use and later schizophrenia. Should this be a factor in debates about legalizing marijuana?(online surveys)





Smoking marijuana (cannabis), an icon of the bandana-wearing flower-child generation, is a subject of ongoing medical debate and a ballot measure in many states. Is cannabis use harmless recreation, a medical necessity for end-of-life pain, or a disorder contributing to psychosis and associated with schizophrenia? Perhaps all three? It is the latter question that engaged a team of Finnish researchers who conducted a meta analysis of studies published between 1996-2008 and published in the current issue of Schizophrenia Bulletin. Finnish researchers report cannabis use disorder ranged from 16% to 27% of the patients with schizophrenia, and was more common in those with samples drawn from younger, first-episode patients. Males were also more numerous than females.

Should findings such as these affect the legalization of marijuana? Take our survey.

