Episode #47 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dr. Christine Miller on Marijuana Induced Psychosis and SuicideEpisode #47 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dr. Christine Miller on Marijuana Induced Psychosis and Suicide
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Is Marijuana use associated with psychosis and schizophrenia or does marijuana actually causes schizophrenia? What about Suicide? Dr. Christine Miller has meticulously studied the medical literature and the Bradford Hill criteria. The Bradford Hill criteria is the standard used to prove causation. This methodology was used to prove tobacco smoking causes various health effects. This interview was recorded November, 2020. Christine L. Miller, Ph.D. Christine L. Miller received her B.S. degree in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the Neuroscience Training Program at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Her academic career with the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University, was devoted to researching neurobiological mechanisms that underlie psychotic disorders. Now retired from academia, she volunteers her time as a science advisor for Smart Approaches to Marijuana www.learnaboutsam.org and Moms Strong www.momsstrong.org, educating the general public and legislators about the causal link between marijuana use and serious mental health impacts, including psychosis and suicide. Dr. Miller has continued to author scientific papers and reviews, most recently book chapters entitled “The Impacts of Marijuana on Mental Health”, published by Oxford University Press in 2018 and “Marijuana and Suicide: Case-control Studies, Population Data, and Potential Neurochemical Mechanisms”, published by Springer Press in 2020. Dr. Miller reviewed the Bradford-Hill Criteria for epidemiological causation verses association as it related to marijuana and psychosis. A strong association A dose-response relationship Timing of the association Administration of THC in the clinic Drug-seeking behavior risk does not seem to explain the impact Quitting the habit resolves psychosis (in 50%) Plausible biological mechanism You can find more details on the Bradford Hills Criteria on the IASIC website library under Psychosis, the International Academy on the Science and Impact of Cannabis. Dr. Miller’s Marijuana Psychosis Facts: 5x risk chronic psychotic disorder for heavy marijuana users 7 x increase risk suicide attempt in Caucasians who begin using in teens Recovery of a psychotic break from marijuana occurs 50% of the time compared to recovery other drugs 70% – 95% recovery Risk of violence in any drug induced psychosis is 9-fold increase compared to those with psychosis has nothing to do with drugs Violence risk is 18-fold from marijuana induced psychosis compared to controls Psychotic individual who are not using drugs and taking medication are very unlikely to commit violence Dr. Miller is honored by the introduction in this podcast, but wishes to make clear her knowledge is based on the meticulous work of renowned epidemiologists, for which she can take no c
1:19:03•15 Nov 2021
Marijuana and Mental Health: Unpacking the Risks with Dr. Christine Miller
“Four studies- one at Yale and three in the uk- where they have shown that if you administer a moderate dose of thc to subjects who have no family history of psychosis- this is important- will show psychotic symptoms during the course of The Day.”
Can marijuana use lead to serious mental health issues like psychosis and schizophrenia? Dr. Christine Miller, a seasoned researcher in pharmacology and neuroscience, joins Dr. Roneet Lev on 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction' to tackle this pressing question. Dr. Miller brings a wealth of knowledge from her academic career at the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University, where she focused on the neurobiological mechanisms behind psychotic disorders. In this episode, Dr.
Miller dives deep into the medical literature and the Bradford Hill criteria, a standard for proving causation, to explore whether marijuana use is merely associated with or actually causes conditions like schizophrenia. She also sheds light on the genetic factors that might make some individuals more susceptible to cannabis-induced psychosis. But that's not all. Dr. Miller discusses the differences between consuming marijuana through edibles versus smoking and how each method impacts the risk of developing psychosis.
She also touches on the broader mental health implications, particularly concerning suicide and violence. As marijuana legalization continues to spread, understanding these risks becomes increasingly crucial. Dr. Miller's insights offer a balanced view, highlighting potential dangers while also considering the societal impacts of legalization. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the nuanced relationship between marijuana and mental health.
Whether you're a concerned parent, a healthcare professional, or someone curious about the effects of cannabis, you'll find valuable information that could shape your perspective on this complex issue.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.