Cannabis-induced psychosis has been a key talking point for those concerned about legalization efforts. Some people have severe psychosis, occasionally ending in death. Sources point to potent cannabis. Little is known about how or if cannabis neurologically played a role in these devastating events, but researchers are working to uncover more.
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Past papers have advised that those predisposed to psychotic episodes avoid weed altogether, especially high-THC products. More recently, a Canadian study indicated that a dopamine pathway could be the key to understanding cannabis-induced psychosis. The paper connects high dopamine levels of people with cannabis use disorder in an area of the brain associated with psychosis.
Dopamine is a vital component in the brain’s reward system. It sends messages of pleasure, motivation, and learning. Imbalances can lead to mental health disorders. Too little dopamine is associated with depression, while schizophrenic patients often have heightened levels that might cause hallucinations. This study connects the dots that people with cannabis use disorder do, too.
Researchers mapped dopamine-related signals from 61 people; 25 with and 36 without CUD, with a median age range of 22 to 29. The diagnostic criteria included those who could not temper their use despite it negatively impacting their lives. These patients may also experience cravings or withdrawal. Both the CUD and non-CUD sides of the cohort also held an early-stage schizophrenia diagnosis.
Participants underwent a neuromelanin-MRI scan, which measures a signal that marks dopamine action. There was an initial MRI and a follow-up for 61 percent of the original cohort. The results showed that CUD patients had above-average dopamine levels in the psychosis-inducing region of the brain. The more cannabis a person consumes, the higher the inequality shown. Those who did not have CUD or schizophrenia did not show heightened dopamine signals in their brains.
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This is not a concrete explanation for cannabis-induced psychosis, but it does show a relevant connection worth investigating. While a large portion of cannabis consumers find relief in the plant, there are a few who end up on the less peaceful side of pot. This research serves both sides. Identifying the cause of CUD is the only way to ease lawmakers’ minds on the matter before bans and potency bills get filed. It may not hit everyone, but this real issue needs a solution.
