Cannabis, Psychosis, and Schizophrenia

The potential for cannabis to cause psychosis has been described in Western medical literature for more than 150 years. Modern study methods such as consumer side effect surveys, human clinical laboratory experiments, and placebo-controlled clinical trials have repeatedly shown that cannabis can produce psychosis among a portion of consumers. This should come as no surprise, considering that the biochemistry of psychosis shares several features with the pharmacology of cannabis. This talk will cover the relationship between cannabis, psychosis, and schizophrenia, including who may be at risk and how big the risk may be.

Erik Messamore is the medical director for the Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University, where he is an associate professor of psychiatry. He is a medical doctor with board certification in psychiatry and holds a PhD in neuropharmacology. Dr. Messamore specializes in the fields of psychopharmacology, complex mood disorders, psychosis, and schizophrenia. He has been quoted by the Associated Press, Malcolm Gladwell, and the U.S. Surgeon General. He is on the Scientific Advisory Board of Johnny’s Ambassadors, Inc.