We know there’s a link between cannabis use and psychosis, though the odds vary widely from study to study. But it’s still unclear exactly how the drug triggers psychosis, which can progress to schizophrenia.
Genes, drug potency, and age of use all appear to play a role, and scientists in Canada have just uncovered another important factor: brain connectivity.
The study found that young people in the early stages of psychosis, or showing signs of being at-risk, had noticeably lower density in their brain synapses.
“Not every cannabis user will develop psychosis, but for some, the risks are high. Our research helps clarify why,” says neuropharmacologist Romina Mizrahi, from McGill University.
The researchers analyzed data from 49 participants, ages 16 to 30, from a tertiary care psychiatric hospital between July…