Am J Psychiatry 1978; 135:1213-1215
Copyright © 1978 by American Psychiatric Association
Marijuana use in schizophrenia: a clear hazard
DA Treffert
The use of marijuana as the independent variable produced a serious
exacerbation of a psychotic process in four schizophrenic patients whose
illness was otherwise well controlled with antipsychotic medication. Each
patient served as his own control--the sole substance abused was marijuana
and antipsychotic medication intake remained constant. Each time marijuana
use at moderate levels began, there was exacerbation and deterioration. The
author suggests that marijuana use is a special hazard to schizophrenic
patients and that physicians should alert such high-risk patients to the
possible untoward interaction between their illness and marijuana.
