[di meliora]

As the article indicates, talk about a link has been controversial. The authors conclude:

Despite all of the uncertainties surrounding the cannabis-psychosis link, we are left with the task of translating these results into clear recommendations for our patients. The evidence suggests that cannabis is associated with an increased risk of psychosis when it is used frequently. Whether cannabis can trigger a primary psychotic disorder that would not have otherwise occurred is unclear. However, in most individuals who use cannabis, psychosis does not develop, which suggests that the increased risk must be related to other vulnerability factors (genetics, frequency, or age of onset of cannabis misuse).

Cannabis also seems to negatively alter the clinical course of schizophrenia. While meta-analyses suggest better cognitive function among cannabis-using patients, this may be a reflection of a higher-functioning subgroup of schizophrenia patients. Accordingly, cannabis-using patients who achieve abstinence may demonstrate improved symptoms and cognitive performance.

The first step in communicating this information to our patients consists of screening for cannabis use and obtaining a thorough substance use history. Psychoeducation and early interventions for young patients who may be vulnerable to psychosis should be used, and motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy should be considered to encourage reduction and cessation of use.

There are no accepted pharmacological treatments for cannabis use disorders, yet several potential agents are under investigation. Future studies that control for both environmental and biological risk factors are needed to more clearly elucidate the mechanisms linking cannabis misuse to psychosis. http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/prin...printable=true

Obviously, more work has to be done to make a viable case for a link, provided there is one. Nonetheless, I have enough to deal with without using a substance where "There is strong evidence to support the hypothesis that cannabis consumption is a risk factor for the development of psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia."

[PurpleFlyingMonkeys]

I can see how it could contribute to psychosis as it does often make you feel as if many things (including time, yourself, others, things etc) unreal and also it does cause a lot of thinking and for some, probably not the best. However I don't think it should be ruled out entirely in the psych field, perhaps only be sure to let the patient know of the risk factors. There are numerous antipsychotics and antidepressants that can cause someone to become suicidal or psychotic, it's your bodies reaction to the meds/herbs. It shouldn't be disregarded just because it doesn't work for most. As there are some people who the "common" meds wont work for. I've been a lot more cooky on lithium and seroquel than I have ever been on cannabis and I'm schizophrenic. Sure I have psychotic episodes but on those meds I thought I was the world, now I know I'm just a simple one. (Or not so simple, that's to be determined)

Just my ideas on the matter. I really think it should be the patients choice as they are the ones who will be consuming and who wants to take the meds if it makes them feel worse so if they do get a little psychotic they may stop wanting to take it. Besides, in all honesty cannabis does something (for some not all) that no other man made drug can do. Not only is it harmless but it's excellent for depression stress and anger, something man made meds never seem to be great at, and here a natural plant has it.

As you can probably tell I use cannabis. It was perscribed to me but than I moved states. It's not legal here so my "consumption" has been very little lately and basically only to keep my appetite now but I'm pulling for the legalization.

I've been at the violent hands of alcohol crack steroids meth acid and mushrooms, never even close with marijuanna. Just give me a little green and a valium a day and I'm little Ms. Happy Go lucky