Young Men with Cannabis Use Disorder at Higher Risk for Schizophrenia: Study

A new study led by researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Mental Health Services in Denmark has found that young men who suffer from cannabis use disorder are more likely to develop schizophrenia. The study analyzed health records data of over 6 million people in Denmark and discovered a strong association between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia, particularly among young men. The study’s authors estimate that as many as 30% of cases of schizophrenia among men aged 21-30 may be prevented by treating cannabis use disorder. Effective treatments for both conditions are available, making it imperative to expand prevention, screening, and treatment for people who experience mental illnesses associated with cannabis use.