ABSTRACT: Several hypotheses involving alterations of the immune system have been proposed among etiological explanations for psychotic disorders. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has a homeostatic role as an endogenous neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory system. Alterations of this system have been associated with psychosis. Cannabis use is a robust risk factor for these ... Continue Reading
schizophrenia
Study Shows Using Marijuana Has No Effect On Brain Volume
The ongoing debate over marijuana’s effect on the brain is gradually tipping toward meaningful impact of marijuana on the brain. This post from TIME discusses the research that disproves the long-held myth that using marijuana causes structural changes in the brain. The latest research adds to the debate over marijuana's effects on the brain Using marijuana does not cause ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Reversible Disruption of Pre-Pulse Inhibition in Hypomorphic-Inducible and Reversible CB1-/- Mice
ABSTRACT: Although several genes are implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, in animal models for such a severe mental illness only some aspects of the pathology can be represented (endophenotypes). Genetically modified mice are currently being used to obtain or characterize such endophenotypes. Since its cloning and characterization CB1 receptor has increasingly ... Continue Reading
Scientific Research Busts Most Repeated Marijuana Myths
Several claims about the dangers of pot have been doing the rounds with no one sure of either their validity or origin. This post from Buzz Feed News collates the evidence from real scientific research on marijuana to test some of these high profile marijuana myths. Pot is a gateway drug. Pot is as addictive as heroin. These and other claims are constantly repeated. But are ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Stronger evidence is needed before accepting that cannabis plays an important role in the aetiology of schizophrenia in the population
ABSTRACT: Schizophrenia is a debilitating but poorly understood condition with very few known modifiable risk factors. Cannabis use can acutely induce psychoticEXPERIENCES, but its causal relationship to schizophrenia is less well understood. Longitudinal cohort studies suggest that the association between cannabis and psychotic outcomes is not due to chance or reverse ... Continue Reading