Cannabis increases the risk of psychotic break by 40%.

Using marijuana greatly increases the risk of expressing symptoms of schizophrenia.

The use of marijuana and other cannabis derivatives is a common phenomenon today, especially in the young population. especially in the young population.

There is a popular perception that cannabis is a substance that carries very few risks as it is "natural" and more or less traditional in some areas, so that it is generally consumed without great concern for its possible side effects. However, it has been demonstrated that the consumption of this type of substance does high health risks.

Specifically, the review and analysis of different research studies show that there is a link between cannabis and psychotic disorders, and it has been indicated that cannabis increases the risk of suffering a psychotic break, in some cases by up to 40%..

Cannabis and its derivatives

Cannabis and its derivatives are among the most widely consumed illegal drugs worldwide, especially in Western society. Extracted from the plant Cannabis sativait is a type of substance that would be considered to be one of the most within the group of psycholeptic drugs.psychoactive substances that produce a modification of mental activity without this being considered totally excitatory or inhibitory.

In the specific case of cannabis, generally an increase in activity is produced first and then, in a short time, a state of relaxation and sedation, together with other symptoms such as increased appetite or motor incoordination.

This drug can be found in many different different forms according to the parts of the plant that are used, being the most known derivatives marijuana and hashish..

Consumption and social consideration

Its use dates back to antiquity, used as a medicinal and relaxing plantIt is even used today to combat some symptoms of diseases, such as the presence of vomiting, convulsions and even anorexia or lack of hunger (not to be confused with anorexia nervosa, which would be the psychological disorder) that occurs in patients with different disorders.

However, apart from its medical properties, a large number of people use cannabis as a form of entertainment and relaxation due to the generalized idea that it is a drug whose consumption involves few risks. This consideration is due to the fact that cannabis and its derivatives do not have so many physiological effects. have fewer physiological effects than other drugs, and the fact that it is considered to be a drug with few risks.This is due to the fact that cannabis and its derivatives do not have as many physiological effects as other drugs, and to the fact that they are generally considered not to cause too much dependence unless they are consumed on a daily basis.

It is generally consumed by inhalation through cigarettesIt is generally consumed by inhalation through cigarettes, although it is sometimes consumed orally (for example, in the case of the well-known pot pies). In general, its consumption is more frequent in adolescence and early adulthood, being less frequent in later ages.

Increased risk of psychotic breaks

As we have seen above, cannabis use is considered to have no or very low risks. However, the analysis of various studies indicates that, although it has a lower risk than other substances, the consumption of cannabinoids causes a serious increase in the possibility of suffering psychotic outbreaks.

The fact is that the administration of this substance frequently causes the presence of auditory hallucinations or persecutory delusions.Although they are generally temporary, they can remain or trigger the repetition of subsequent psychotic outbreaks. In fact, one of the studies indicates that cannabis increases up to 40% the possibility of awakening a psychotic disorder, and can be much higher if the consumption is daily..

Although it is considered that cannabis does not produce the psychotic disorder itself, it is a risk factor that can end up being a trigger for it. can end up being a trigger for psychotic disorder.. That is to say, there is a genetic predisposition to suffer an alteration of this type, a predisposition that may or may not be expressed.

Cannabis and schizophrenia

In this case, the consumption of cannabis is a factor that increases the risk of its expression, being its risk much higher than that of other substances. Thus, a person who has probably never had any outbreak has a very high probability of developing it. And one of the disorders associated with this consumption and psychotic outbreaks is schizophrenia, a severe disorder that can cause a high level of interference in daily life. Other research shows that many schizophrenic patients who are cannabis users have had their first psychotic episode up to seven years earlier than average.

Other risks of marijuana use

It is also necessary to take into account the period of life in which the consumption of cannabinoids usually takes place, which usually begins in adolescence and early adulthood. At this time the organism is still in formation and in a process of changeIt is more reactive to reward and punishment than at other times of life, making the brain more vulnerable and affected by long-term changes.

In addition to this, it should be considered that cannabis does not only affect the onset of a psychotic break, but also includes in the course and prognosis of outbreaks and disorders, demonstrating that in general the consumption of cannabis interferes with and hinders treatmentand in the long run facilitates relapse and the appearance of new psychotic outbreaks in treated patients.

Concluding

In conclusion, it is necessary to take into account and pay special attention to the risks posed by cannabis consumption, combating the idea that it is something harmless..

It has been documented that cannabinoids can cause amotivational syndrome, has carcinogenic properties and in the long run can cause Respiratory problems and sexual dysfunction, in addition to the dramatic increase in the risk of psychotic outbreaks.