We have long known that schizophrenia, a brain condition that affects about one percent of the U.S. population, has genetic roots, but new research suggests that the condition may be triggered by environmental factors, particularly marijuana use. According to the research, smoking pot during adolescence may serve as a catalyst for schizophrenia, but only in individuals already predisposed to the condition.
The study, now published online in Human Molecular Genetics, found that marijuana is often associated with patients’ “first episode” of schizophrenia. While this may sound grim, especially to those with a family history of the condition, there is good news: The team also found a way to block this catalyst effect, in mice at least, but hope that it may one day be used in humans.
“This research clearly has implications in terms of public health,” said lead study researcher Dr. Dani Offen in a statement on ScienceDaily.“The novel protective mechanism identified in the study may serve as a basis for the future development of compounds capable of [minimizing the harmful] effect of cannabis on brain development.”