Cannabis and Psychosis  (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au)

 

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug.  It is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant and comes in three forms; marijuana, hashish and hash oil.  The chemicals in cannabis interfere with normal brain functioning. Cannabis use can cause drug-induced psychosis, trigger the first episode of a psychotic illness or make a pre-existing psychotic illness worse.  People who have, or may be at risk of developing, a psychotic illness should avoid using cannabis.

 

Cannabis is a psychoactive drug

Cannabis contains a chemical commonly known as THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is a psychoactive

substance, which means that it travels in the blood stream to the brain. It disrupts usual brain functioning and causes

certain intoxicating effects, including:

· A feeling of relaxation and wellbeing.

· Loss of inhabitation.

· Increased talk activeness.

· A confused prescription of space and time.

· Reduced ability to concentrate and remember.

· Reduced co-ordination—this makes it dangerous to drive or operate machinery

           while under the influence of the drug.

 

Heavy use may cause hallucinations  

Other possible effects, which are more common with heavy cannabis use include:

· Paranoia

· Confusion

· Anxiety

 

Drug-induced psychosis

Cannabis use can cause condition known as drug-induced psychosis. Symptoms usually appear quickly  and last a relatively short time (a few ) days until the effects of the cannabis wear off. Disorientation, memory problems and visual hallucinations are most common symptoms. People who already have a psychotic illness may

experience longer lasting or more intense symptoms.

 

Cannabis effects last longer if you have a psychotic illness

The effects of cannabis begin within minutes and can last several hours. However people with a psychotic illness (such as schizophrenia)  the effects can be longer lasting.

 

Cannabis can precipitate the first episode of a  psychosis

If someone has a predisposition to a psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia, use of drugs such as cannabis may

trigger the first episode in what can be a life long disabling condition. There is increasing evidence  that regular

cannabis use precedes and causes higher rates of psychotic illness. Psychotic illnesses are characterised by:

· Delusions

· Hallucinations

· Thought disorder

 

 

Canefields Clubhouse Beenleigh Inc

21 City Rd, PO Box 1469, Beenleigh Q 4207 

Phone: (07) 3807 0951   Fax: (07) 3804 7528 

Email: cfields@bigpond.net.au

Website: www.canefieldsclubhouse.org.au

August/September 2008 Edition

September/ October Issue 2007