Groundbreaking New Study Confirms Link Between High Potency Marijuana Use and Schizophrenia

(Alexandria, VA) Today, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlighted a new study published in Psychological Medicine that shows young men with cannabis use disorder have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Researchers concluded that, at a population level, “one-fifth of cases of schizophrenia among young males might be prevented by averting CUD,” meaning as many as 30% of schizophrenia cases among men aged 21-30 might have been prevented by averting CUD. Researchers also concluded the increase in cases of schizophrenia over the last 5 decades is likely linked to the higher potency of marijuana. 

“These findings are disturbing but in line with the scientific research we’ve seen on high-potency, high-frequency marijuana users, said Dr. Kevin Sabet, CEO and President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and former drug policy advisor for Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton. “We have the legalization of Big Marijuana to thank for this. The industry has modified these products to be more potent and more addictive, resulting in disastrous consequences for the mental health of young people, particularly young men. They profit when more people are addicted. There is no question that teens and young adults are suffering from a mental health crisis, the last thing that our young people need to hear is the lie that pot is harmless, or even beneficial.”