Researchers explore marijuana and mental health

Researchers explore marijuana and mental health
(PhysOrg.com) — A team of mental health experts from the University of Western Sydney say young people who have developed a dependence on cannabis are likely to continue using the drug following the diagnosis of a mental illness. 

To find out their reasons why, the Social Justice Social Change Research Centre (SJSC) at UWS will commence a study of the links between marijuana and mental health in 2009.

Cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. In Australia, forty to fifty percent of young people admit to trying cannabis at least once.

Associate Professor Meg Smith, the lead UWS researcher from SJSC, says a high proportion of people living with mental illness also have a co-occurring substance abuse problem.

“Experts are aware that cannabis use can precipitate the onset of mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals,” says Associate Professor Smith.

Actually, experts are doubtful of a causal link between cannabis use and schizophrenia.  According to data published in 2007 in the journalSchizophrenia Research, there were no statistically significant “differences in symptomology between schizophrenic patients who were or were not cannabis users” and that the findings “argue against a distinct schizophrenic-like psychosis caused by cannabis.”

“But little is known about why so many young people continue to use a drug that has direct negative impacts on their mental health.”

The study will focus on young people with a history of cannabis use between the ages of 18 and 30, with the ultimate aim of determining why they continued or ceased to use the drug.

Co-researcher from the School of Social Sciences at UWS, Sharyn McGee, says it can be difficult for carers and mental health workers to understand why a young person would choose to continue using a drug that adds to the complexity of their treatment and exacerbates their symptoms of mental illness.

“Aside from their base dependency on the drug, many young people who use cannabis do not see it as a problem. In fact, they may see the drug as a means of improving their self confidence, creativity or sexual prowess,” says Ms McGee.

“For some people, using cannabis can also have the benefits of relieving their symptoms of depression, alleviating cognitive difficulties and nullifying the side effects of some medications.”

Professors McGee and Smith, has it ever occurred to you that perhaps these young people are right?  Gee, how could people want to use something that makes them feel happy, creative, thoughtful, confident, and sexy, and it smooths out the meds?