CANNABIS USE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the use of Cannabis sativa and the development of schizophrenia, a severe, multifactorial psychiatric disorder with high functional and social impact. Schizophrenia often manifests in youth, the same age at which cannabis use is most common. Although its possible therapeutic uses are widely publicized, the risks of recreational use of the substance, especially the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on mental health, are still poorly understood. Factors such as age at onset of use, frequency of use, genetic predisposition, and environment modulate psychotic risk. This study adopts a literature review methodology, based on original articles and reviews available on Google Scholar, SciELO, and PubMed. The results demonstrate that cannabis use is associated with earlier onset of schizophrenia, worsening of symptoms, worse prognosis, and cognitive impairment, especially among vulnerable young people. The high concentration of THC and the low presence of cannabidiol (CBD) are determining factors in this process. It is concluded that cannabis, although not the sole cause, is an important environmental risk factor for the onset of schizophrenia. Therefore, the implementation of public policies for prevention, regulation and education in mental health is urgent.