Cannabis and Schizophrenia: Distinct States

Cannabis does not cause schizophrenia, but it can induce a transient paranoid state, especially in inexperienced users. Many studies linking cannabis to schizophrenia often conflate psychotic-like experiences from being high with actual schizophrenia. In the UK, a subgroup of individuals with schizophrenia, often those in South London, may use powerful strains of cannabis, like 'skunk', to cope with their mental health conditions. However, while it may provide temporary relief, it can also exacerbate their symptoms, making the hallucinatory experiences more intense.