In short, yes. The best available scientific evidence shows that teens who smoke marijuana are 40 percent more likely to develop psychosis and/or schizophrenia when compared to teens who do not use this drug. This finding was recently reported in Lancet, one of the most prestigious medical journals in the world. The research shows a “dose dependent” relationship, meaning that the more one smokes, the more likely he or she is to develop serious mental illness.

Why? It’s not yet clear. Reports from Emergency Rooms in the US and United Kingdom are showing a dramatic increase of psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia in teens who smoke marijuana who have no history of schizophrenia or psychosis. Many suspect, as do I, that potency of cannabis may be to blame. Hydroponically grown cannabis, called “Crippy” is 5-8 times more potent in its THC content that marijuana in decades past. The developing brain simply cannot handle the powerful psychoactive affects of this drug. In addition marijuana stays in the brain for months, maybe longer, and users remain impaired, particularly in their thinking, problem solving ability and emotional health. Conclusion–marijuana NOT is a harmless drug.

Unfortunately the regular users will dismiss this evidence as yet another scare tactic, but hopefully these facts will cause others to consider that a healthy brain is infinitely more valuable than a temporary buzz.

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About the author

Dr. Drew Edwards
Dr. Drew Edwards is a behavioral health researcher, author, counselor, and the youth culture expert and consultant for the nationally syndicated reality television programs Ultimate Choice, and Real Girls-Real Life. In 2006 he founded ENNOBLE, Inc., a non profit educational foundation created to rescue teens and empower parents through the creative expression of Christian principles. His website, www.drdrewedwards.org, is a product of that mission. He has been working with families for twenty years. Dr. Drew was formerly Clinical Assistant Professor in the department of psychiatry and health behavior at the Medical College of Georgia. Previously he served as Associate Director of Psychiatry at the University of Florida. His appointment included program development, clinical practice and clinical instruction for psychiatric residents and postdoctoral fellows in the division of addiction medicine. Dr. Drew has published numerous peer reviewed and popular articles on parenting, behavioral health, addictions, depression/chronic illness and youth culture, as well handbooks for parents on childhood depression and self-esteem in children. He speaks at conferences and presents seminars throughout the United States on parenting, youth culture, teen sex, pornography, addictive disease and eating disorders. He also provides weekly parenting advice on 88.1 FM, The Promise, in Jacksonville and northeast Florida. He joined the staff of the PAYH in 2008.