Dutch Research Questions Marijuana Schizophrenia LinkAugust 20, 2004
Research Summary
Three Dutch researchers contend that there is insufficient data to support the conclusion that cannabis use could induce schizophrenia. The Dutch government had cited such research to support its efforts to curb marijuana-selling coffee shops, Reuters reported Aug. 19.The scientists said the negative effect of marijuana use occurs only in people already genetically predisposed to the mental illness. "It is therefore advisable that youngsters with a family history of schizophrenia and patients with a schizophrenic disorder be discouraged from using cannabis," the report said.
After past research showed a link between marijuana and schizophrenia, the Dutch government tightened its law on selling marijuana in government-regulated coffee shops. The new law also banned alcohol in coffee shops this year and calls for a ban on smoking in 2005. As a result, the number of cannabis cafes in the Netherlands has significantly declined.
As a result of their findings, the researchers concluded that, "there is no justification for the proposed closure of coffee shops."
The report appears in this week's Magazine for Psychiatry, a peer-reviewed journal.
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