Cannabis use may increase risk of psychosisDec 02, 2004; Posted 02:22 pm EST (07:22 GMT) Frequent cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood increases the risk of psychotic symptoms later in life, according to a new study published on bmj.com today.The risk of developing symptoms was much higher in young people with a pre-existing vulnerability to psychosis.The study took place in Germany and involved 2437 young people aged 14 to 24 years. Participants were assessed for substance use, predisposition for psychosis, and psychotic symptoms, and were monitored for four years. After adjusting for influential factors, such as social and economic status and use of other drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, cannabis use moderately increased the risk of psychotic symptoms. This effect was much stronger in those with any predisposition for psychosis. Source: Science Daily  Related Stories What happens in the brain when we remember our own past? Brain-computer interfaces: latest advances High-level thinking gene discovered by MIT researchers Brain's nicotine receptors also target for anti-depressants Malnutrition in early years leads to low IQ and later antisocial behavior |