197. Cannabis Psychosis Risk Factor x 11 | Dr. Andre Mc Donald197. Cannabis Psychosis Risk Factor x 11 | Dr. Andre Mc Donald
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
In a study of 11,363 individuals with no psychotic disorder, cannabis use increased the risk of psychosis by 11 fold for ages 12 – 19. I spoke with master behind the rese André McDonald, PhD, MPH, is an epidemiologist and postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University’s Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research and Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research. Dr. McDonald’s research focuses on the intersection between mental health and addictions among youth. Currently, his primary interest is in understanding the link between youth cannabis use and risk of mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. Dr. McDonald is supported by a Fellowship from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Dr. McDonald completed his PhD in epidemiology and MPH in social and behavioural health sciences at the University of Toronto while working at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Prior to his graduate studies, he worked in Nunavut (Canada’s northernmost territory) on mental health and addictions issues among Inuit. Overall, he has over 10 years of experience working in the field of public health in both research and policy roles.
55:03•30 Sept 2024
Cannabis and Psychosis: Unveiling Hidden Risks with Dr. Andre McDonald
Episode Overview
- Cannabis use in adolescents increases the risk of psychosis by 11 times.
- Real-life emergency room cases highlight severe outcomes of cannabis-induced psychosis.
- Canada has some of the highest rates of youth cannabis use globally.
- Future research aims to involve over a million Canadians to better understand mental health impacts.
- Parents should be aware that today's cannabis is far more potent than it was in the past.
“"The risk of psychosis in teens who use cannabis is 11 times higher than those who don't"”
Get ready for a deep dive into the effects of cannabis on mental health in this eye-opening episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction. Dr. Roneet Lev chats with Dr. Andre McDonald, an epidemiologist and postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University, about his groundbreaking research on the link between youth cannabis use and psychosis. Dr. McDonald shares his journey into epidemiology, sparked by a fascination with public health and quantitative analysis.
His recent study reveals a staggering 11-fold increase in the risk of psychosis among adolescents aged 12-19 who use cannabis, a finding that could change the way we understand and address cannabis use in youth. The conversation touches on real-life cases of cannabis-induced psychosis, illustrating the urgent need for awareness and intervention. Dr. Lev adds her own experiences from the emergency room, where she frequently encounters severe cases of psychosis linked to cannabis use.
The episode also delves into the broader implications of cannabis legalization, comparing trends in Canada and the United States. Dr. McDonald discusses his future research plans, including a massive study involving over a million Canadians to further investigate the mental health impacts of cannabis. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the mental health effects of cannabis, especially parents and healthcare providers.
Tune in to understand why it's crucial to educate youth about the risks associated with cannabis use.
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