What is the role of cannabis in schizophrenia?
Cannabis is often used to self-medicate due to its ability to reduce stress levels and provide temporary relief from symptoms associated with schizophrenia such as paranoia or anxiety. However, cannabis use can also exacerbate symptoms like disorganized thinking or psychosis. Research suggests that people with schizophrenia who use cannabis have increased symptom severity compared to those who do not use it at all. Additionally, regular use of marijuana by individuals with schizophrenia may lead to increased risk of developing long-term cognitive deficits such as decreased memory function or executive functioning skills.   Furthermore, research has suggested that smoking marijuana may disrupt dopamine levels in the brain which can further worsen psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations. It's important to note that marijuana does not cause schizophrenia; however, it can worsen existing symptoms and increase the risk of relapse for those already diagnosed with the disorder.