likely to develop psychosis than those who use marijuana infrequently or never at all.
The striatum is an area of the brain that becomes activated and flooded with dopamine in response to stimuli.
Marijuana use may worsen the illness in patients who already have schizophrenia.
Marijuana can produce a small psychotic reaction in non-schizophrenics who use marijuana, especially at high doses, although it fades as the drug’s effect wears off.
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Effects of marijuana use
Adverse consequences of marijuana use may include:
- Impaired short-term memory
- Impaired judgment, attention, and other cognitive functions
- Impaired physical reactions
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety or paranoia
For these reasons, doctors recommend avoiding marijuana use:
- If you are a teen;
- If you have schizophrenia; or
- If someone in your family has a history of schizophrenia or other mental illnesses.
