Cannabis and Psychosis: Unveiling Hidden Risks with Dr. Andre McDonald
Episode Overview
Cannabis use in adolescents increases the risk of psychosis by 11 times. Real-life emergency room cases highlight severe outcomes of cannabis-induced psychosis. Canada has some of the highest rates of youth cannabis use globally. Future research aims to involve over a million Canadians to better understand mental health impacts. Parents should be aware that today's cannabis is far more potent than it was in the past.
"The risk of psychosis in teens who use cannabis is 11 times higher than those who don't"
Get ready for a deep dive into the effects of cannabis on mental health in this eye-opening episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction. Dr. Roneet Lev chats with Dr. Andre McDonald, an epidemiologist and postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University, about his groundbreaking research on the link between youth cannabis use and psychosis. Dr. McDonald shares his journey into epidemiology, sparked by a fascination with public health and quantitative analysis.
His recent study reveals a staggering 11-fold increase in the risk of psychosis among adolescents aged 12-19 who use cannabis, a finding that could change the way we understand and address cannabis use in youth. The conversation touches on real-life cases of cannabis-induced psychosis, illustrating the urgent need for awareness and intervention. Dr. Lev adds her own experiences from the emergency room, where she frequently encounters severe cases of psychosis linked to cannabis use.
The episode also delves into the broader implications of cannabis legalization, comparing trends in Canada and the United States. Dr. McDonald discusses his future research plans, including a massive study involving over a million Canadians to further investigate the mental health impacts of cannabis. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the mental health effects of cannabis, especially parents and healthcare providers.
Tune in to understand why it's crucial to educate youth about the risks associated with cannabis use.