Cannabis does not induce schizophrenia, Dutch scientists say

Main Category: Schizophrenia
Article Date: 19 Aug 2004 - 13:00 PDT

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A group of Dutch scientists say that there is no proof that cannabis induces schizophrenia. These findings will be embarrassing for the Dutch government, which has been bearing down on Marijuana Coffee Shops saying the drug induces schizophrenia.

You can read about this study in the journal Psychiatry.

The scientists say in the journal that after reviewing currently available data there is justifiable reason for closing down coffee shops in The Netherlands.

The scientists say the drug only seems to affect people who are genetically predisposed to getting schizophrenia (meaning they will get it anyway). As schizophrenia manifests itself during adolescence, and many people start taking cannabis during adolescence - it is just coincidence that some people develop the mental illness soon after they start taking the drug.

The authors of the report wrote "It is therefore advisable that youngsters with a family history of schizophrenia and patients with a schizophrenic disorder be discouraged from using cannabis."

Next year all coffee shops will be subjected to a smoking ban in The Netherlands. The sale of alcohol in Dutch coffee shops is being banned this year.