Pot-related psychosis linked to early ‘dangerous’ use

In the last year I have had at least 6 emails from parents who talk about similar stories from the Toronto Star article linked article.

“I was shocked. We live in a society where there is such a culture around smoking dope that people think it is cool to be a stoner. Nobody ever talks about the pitfalls.”

Researchers have established a link between cannabis and psychosis among young people, although they cannot predict who will be triggered, or why.

That last quote is the scary one. Not being able to predict who will be triggered and why.

Youths who are especially at risk are those with a family history of mental illness, or who have suffered sexual or physical abuse. Thibodeau, who went to private school and has a supportive, intact family, doesn’t fit any of these categories.

“When people start smoking before the age of 16, there is a higher risk of having a psychotic experience. We know that early use is dangerous,” said Dr. Romina Mizrahi, a psychiatrist and director of the Focus on Youth Psychosis Prevention Clinic at CAMH. “The brain continues to develop until the age of 25.”

Please take the time to read this. Love to hear any of your thoughts as well.

Click here for the entire article.