Research reveals why marijuana can cause schizophrenia

Marijuana may cause schizophrenia, according to a new CSIC study.

A recent study conducted by the CSIC, in Spain, in collaboration with the Cajal Institute, has found evidence on how cannabinoids regulate the activation of certain nerve regions of the brain..

Similarly, disorganized cannabis consumption can deactivate a mechanism more intensely than necessary, leading to some mental disorders, such as psychosis or schizophrenia.

Marijuana and schizophrenia: new evidence of their relationship, according to a new CSIC study

If certain alterations in the functioning of neurotransmitters (such as dopamine or glutamate) occur in certain brain regions, they lead to the manifestation of different mental disorders such as psychosis or schizophrenia, lead to the manifestation of different pathological behaviors such as schizophrenia.. There are several genetic factors that increase the vulnerability of some individuals to this pathology. However, environmental factors and pernicious habits such as the consumption of marijuana or other substances can trigger an acceleration of the symptoms, or increase their intensity.

An investigation into the possible genetic and epigenetic characteristics found that the alteration of the nervous system would not be the main risk factor in the onset of schizophrenia, but rather that the cause would be found in a malfunction of the NMDAr receptor, responsible for the plasticity of the nervous system.receptor, responsible for neuronal plasticity and memory. For this reason, lacking sufficient glutamate to counteract the effects of the drug, dopamine increases its effect, resulting in a greater predisposition to psychosis and schizophrenia.

The role of cannabis in schizophrenia

Primarily, the cannabinoid system inherent in our neuronal chemistry is positive, because it regulates the binding of glutamate to its NMDAr receptor and enables certain neurological processes such as learning or memory. Cannabinoids deactivate this receptor, thus maintaining physiological stability throughout the neuronal system.

However, the system is weak and stability is easily compromised. The exogenous cannabinoidsthat is, those produced by the use and abuse of marijuana, significantly increase the inhibition of the NMDAr receptor of the neurotransmitter glutamate, allowing a much stronger effect, exacerbating the effect of dopamine, and potentially causing psychosis.

The brain, in this situation, tries to prevent this effect from occurring, and some NMDAr receptor release mechanisms are enabled.But this reaction can deactivate the neuronal system, causing a vulnerability that could trigger schizophrenia.

Experts speak out

Javier Garzón Niñoone of the researchers, explains:

"The abuse in marijuana consumption produces an imbalance between excitation (NMDAr) and inhibition (own or endogenous cannabinoids). This ends up breaking the balance in favor of inhibition, and consequently generates greater activity in the systems negatively regulated by NMDAr, such as the dopaminergic system."

Several CSIC scientists pointed out that abuse in inhaled marijuana consumption can produce transient psychosis. But in the event that the bad habit is not eliminated, the deterioration of the central nervous system could be permanent.. If to these bad habits we add a genetic predisposition, the probabilities of developing schizophrenia increase.