The cannabis-psychosis debate is being driven by fear mongering, not facts
The narrative around psychosis and cannabis often ignores the importance of the varying social and structural factors that shape health outcomes
Monday, July 1, 2019
As the legalization of recreational cannabis gains traction across North America, one of the most-debated health concerns is psychosis and cannabis use, particularly for young people. Frustratingly, both sides often resort to cherry picking data or conflating correlation with causation. Anecdotes, not science, often prop up these arguments. We’ve all heard it: “Consuming cannabis can lead to psychosis.” While this is partially true, it reflects only a restricted, conveniently framed piece of the picture. Others dismiss the association completely, which is also not productive to evidence-informed conversation. For the most part, we’re getting the conversation wrong, and doing a disservice to young people, caregivers, people experiencing psychosis, and those at risk.
