The cannabis-psychosis debate is being driven by fear mongering, not facts

published on July 1, 2019 by Kira London-Nadeau, Jenna Valleriani, and Caroline MacCallum in Globe and Mail

As the legalization of recreational cannabis gains traction across North America, one of the most-debated health concerns is psychosis and cannabis use, particularly for young people.

Frustratingly, both sides often resort to cherry picking data or conflating correlation with causation. Anecdotes, not science, often prop up these arguments.

We’ve all heard it: “Consuming cannabis can lead to psychosis and even schizophrenia.” While this is partially true, it reflects only a restricted, conveniently framed piece of the picture. Others dismiss the association completely, which is also not productive to evidence-informed conversation. For the most part, we’re getting the conversation wrong, and doing a disservice to young people, caregivers, people experiencing psychosis, and those at risk…