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Reefer Madness: Marijuana Ups Psychosis Risk
New study reveals that pot smokers have a 41% increased chance of psychosis
By Sam Gale Rosen
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Posted Jul 27, 07 10:46 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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Smoking pot increases your risk of developing schizophrenia and other forms of psychotic illness later in life, according to a new study. Partakers had a 41% higher chance of developing psychosis with hallucinations or delusions—a risk that only increased with heavy use. The findings may push the UK to crack down on penalties for the drug.
A contributing psychiatrist admitted that marijuana may not be as harmful as alcohol or tobacco, but said users underestimate the health effects it poses. Researchers say they'd need a new longterm study following the effects of the drug on healthy young people to bury the joint, but marijuana laws my stymie their efforts for now.