REEFER MADNESS

Pot Use and Schizophrenia Have Gene Link

Shared predisposition.

Researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London have found further evidence of a connection between smoking marijuana and having schizophrenia. There is already research that people who smoke pot are twice as likely to have schizophrenia. But this study has clarified the link, and the relationship doesn’t appear to be causal. Rather, there may be an underling genetic connection. After studying the genetic profile of more than 2,000 participants, study leader Robert Power said their research “suggests that there is likely to be an association in the other direction as well—that a predisposition to schizophrenia also increases your likelihood of cannabis use.” Those with a genetic predisposition for schizophrenia were more likely to smoke pot and to use it in greater amounts than those without risk genes. Power said the study “highlights the complex interactions between genes and environments.”