Research Reveals Why Marijuana Can Cause Schizophrenia
A recent study carried out by the CSIC, in Spain, in collaboration with the Cajal Institute, has found evidence about how cannabinoids regulate the activation of certain nervous regions of the brain
Similarly, disorganized cannabis use can deactivate a mechanism more intensely than necessary, causing some mental disorders, such as psychosis or schizophrenia.
Marijuana and schizophrenia: new evidence of their relationship, according to a new CSIC study
If certain alterations in the functioning of neurotransmitters (such as dopamine or glutamate) occur in certain brain regions, give rise to the manifestation of different pathological behaviors such as schizophrenia There are several genetic factors that increase the vulnerability of some individuals to this pathology. However, environmental factors and harmful habits such as the use of marijuana or other substances can trigger an acceleration of symptoms, or increase their intensity.
An investigation into the possible genetic and epigenetic characteristics discovered that the alteration of the nervous system would not be the main risk factor in the appearance of schizophrenia, but rather The cause would be found in a poor function of the NMDAr receptor, responsible for neuronal plasticity and memory. For this reason, lacking sufficient glutamate to counteract the effects of the drug, dopamine increases its effect, resulting in a greater predisposition to psychosis and schizophrenia.
The role of cannabis in schizophrenia
Primarily, the cannabionoid system inherent to our neuronal chemistry is positive, because it regulates the binding of glutamate with its NMDAr receptor and allows certain neurological processes such as learning or memory. Cannabinoids deactivate this receptor, thus maintaining physiological stability throughout the neuronal system.
However, the system is flimsy and stability is easily compromised. The exogenous cannabinoids that is, those produced by the use and abuse of marijuana, significantly increases the inhibition of the NMDAr receptor of the neurotransmitter glutamate, allowing a much greater effect, exacerbating the effect of dopamine, and potentially causing psychosis.
The brain, in this situation, tries to prevent this effect from occurring, and some mechanisms for releasing the NMDAr receptor are enabled but this reaction can deactivate the neural system, causing a vulnerability that could trigger schizophrenia.
The experts speak
Javier Garzón Niño one of the researchers, explains:
“Marijuana abuse produces an imbalance between excitation (NMDAr) and inhibition (own or endogenous cannabinoids). This ends up breaking the balance in favor of inhibition, and consequently generates greater activity in systems negatively regulated by NMDAr, such as the dopaminergic system.”
Several CSIC scientists pointed out that abuse of inhaled marijuana consumption can produce temporary psychosis. But in the event that the bad habit is not eliminated, deterioration of the central nervous system could be permanent If we add a genetic predisposition to these bad habits, the chances of developing schizophrenia increase.
