Relationship between cannabis use in adolescence and the incidence of psychosis in adulthood – Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction andObjective. Cannabis is one of the most widely used illegal stimulants in the world. With a worldwide usage rate of about 4% of the population, it definitely exceeds the use of other drugs. Currently, there is an upward trend in the use of cannabis which is most visible in the adolescent and young adult age groups. Earlier onset of cannabis use may be associated with psychiatric side-effects in adulthood. Review Methods. PubMed, PubMed Central and Google Scholar online databases were searched using phrases related to the topic. After reviewing the abstracts, articles in English, French and Polish presenting the latest knowledge were selected. The types of articles reviewed were original papers, and review papers. Finally, a total of 62 items of literature and websites were selected. Brief description of the state of knowledge. Cannabis psychoactive compounds, mainly Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, act by binding to cannabinoid receptors. This mainly affects the mental sphere leading to memory lapses, abnormal sense of time or perceptual impact. Long-term use can result in psychosis or schizophrenia. Studies prove that in addition to the dose of cannabis used, the main risk factor for psychosis is the early age of initiation ocurring, usually in adolescence. Cannabis use during the most intensive brain development can result in abnormal cognitive functions with resulting exposure to psychosis in adulthood. Summary. Cannabis use in adolescence is unanimously considered unsafe and may lead to mental disorders in adulthood. The illegal status of cannabis in Poland, additional environmental influences and comorbidities can only exacerbate the prognosis. People in adolescence should be exposed to psychoactive substances as minimally as possible.