Cannabis is one of the most frequent drug of abuse among adolescents. The main active chemical in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC. Aside from also containing over 400 other chemicals, the strength of the drug and its effect is measured by the amount of THC contained in the psychoactive drug. Frequent users can describe the use of cannabis as a “mild euphoric feeling” and “sense of wellbeing.” However, in some individuals, frequent use can cause consequences and in fact, have a reverse experience with cannabis that may lead users to develop psychotic symptoms. The notion of developing psychotic symptoms, is what persuades many to believe that cannabis may play a factor in increasing the risk of developing schizophrenia - due to its effects of an individuals mental state when the drug is presented in their system. Speculations around the illicit use of cannabis, has always been associated with adverse consequences. Recent studies have produced controversy about whether cannabis in heavy use can cause irreversible brain damage, particularly in adolescents and thus, whether a chronic psychosis could be a result of brain changes caused by cannabis (DeLisi, 2008). However, based off of existing evidence, this controversial theory of whether or not cannabis can cause irreversible brain damage, proves to be wrong. As a …show more content…
Although there has been past indications that cannabis can lead to schizophrenia-like symptoms, a recent study now reverses those implications and hypothesizes whether those patients who are diagnosed with schizophrenia, have had a history with cannabis. Thus, taking a reverse role on the topic by studying those who have already developed and have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and investigating if cannabis played a role in it. A study