In recent years, marijuana has gained widespread acceptance as both a recreational and medicinal substance. Legalization across many states has helped normalize its use, leading many to view cannabis as relatively harmless. However, emerging research paints a more complicated picture—especially for trauma survivors.
The specter of marijuana addiction has begun to haunt users. For those wondering “how do drugs affect mental health?”, one of the most pressing concerns is the relationship between marijuana use and increased risk of schizophrenia. Understanding this connection is essential, particularly for individuals with a history of trauma who may already be more vulnerable to mental health disorders.
While marijuana may offer short-term relief from anxiety or insomnia, its long-term impact on brain chemistry is far less benign. Studies increasingly show that frequent or high-potency cannabis use—especially when started in adolescence—can significantly raise the risk of developing psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. For trauma survivors already navigating complex emotional landscapes, this added risk underscores the importance of informed, cautious use and access to trauma-informed care.
The Complex Link Between Marijuana and Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It often involves hallucinations, delusions, and difficulty distinguishing reality from imagination. While the exact causes of schizophrenia are still being researched, scientists agree that a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors play a role.
One of the more alarming findings in recent psychiatric research is the link between marijuana and schizophrenia. Several large-scale studies have indicated that cannabis use—especially frequent and high-potency use—can significantly increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, particularly in adolescents and young adults. This is especially true for individuals who have a family history of psychotic disorders or who have experienced significant psychological trauma.
Why Trauma Survivors Should Be Cautious
Trauma survivors—especially those who have experienced childhood abuse, neglect, or severe stress—are already at a higher risk for mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia. The brain changes caused by early trauma can make individuals more sensitive to substances that alter brain chemistry. When marijuana is introduced into this already fragile system, it can trigger or exacerbate underlying psychiatric vulnerabilities.
The answer to “can you get addicted to marijuana?” is sadly, for many trauma survivors, yes. It can become, they feel, the only way to survive the pain they feel.
Research at the University of Queensland in Australia has found that individuals who have experienced childhood trauma have an increased chance of experiencing psychotic symptoms when using cannabis compared to those without trauma exposure. The interaction between past trauma and cannabis use appears to compound the risk, making it a dangerous combination for some.
Marijuana and mental health clearly have a complex relationship, but why?
The Role of THC and Brain Development
One reason marijuana use is particularly concerning for trauma survivors is the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for marijuana’s “high.” Similar to the psychological effect of alcohol, THC induces feelings of relaxation and pleasure. High levels of THC can disrupt normal brain function, especially in young people whose brains are still developing. For trauma survivors—whose neural pathways may already be altered by stress and adversity—THC can pose additional risks.
Marijuana and schizophrenia risk is believed to be higher in those who begin using cannabis during adolescence or who consume strains with high THC content. The earlier and more frequent the use, the greater the likelihood of triggering a psychotic disorder.
Self-Medication: A Double-Edged Sword
Many trauma survivors turn to marijuana in an attempt to self-medicate. Cannabis can provide temporary relief from anxiety, insomnia, and intrusive memories, which are all common symptoms of PTSD. This short-term relief can mask underlying issues and may worsen long-term outcomes.
The relationship between schizophrenia and marijuana becomes even more concerning in this context. What starts as a coping mechanism can evolve into a dangerous cycle where marijuana use exacerbates symptoms, leading to increased distress and higher usage.
If you or a loved one begin to suspect that marijuana use may be getting out of hand, consider taking a drug use screening test to gain some perspective.
Harm Reduction and Informed Choices
It’s important to note that not every trauma survivor who uses marijuana will develop schizophrenia. Risk is influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, dosage, age of first use, and individual mental health history. However, the data is clear: there is a significant correlation between marijuana and schizophrenia, particularly for high-risk individuals.
For trauma survivors, the safest approach is to seek professional help to begin healing from your trauma. Programs that offer trauma-informed care emphasize safety, cooperation, and empathy in an effort to promote healing without re-triggering the trauma.
A holistic approach to such care will incorporate therapies such as:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-focused yoga
Break Free from Trauma-Induced Addiction at Sana at Stowe
Nestled in the natural beauty of rural Vermont, Sana at Stowe offers holistic, personalized care for those struggling with marijuana use and trauma. As one of the best dual diagnosis treatment centers available, Sana at Stowe offers a variety of wellness and holistic services, along with evidence-based therapies and compassionate, professional staff, to give our patients the strongest possible starts to their healing.
According to one former patient, “I know the road ahead is long but thanks to your team, I have hope and can see a path forward and an assurance that I can do it.”
Our luxurious services are possible for everyone. Sana at Stowe offers medically-supervised detox and accepts insurance through in-network providers.
A Journey to Recovery
Regarding the intersection of marijuana use, schizophrenia, and trauma, we understand that substance use can be complex, and for those with vulnerabilities related to mental health or trauma, the risks associated with certain substances can be amplified. From a trauma-informed perspective, we understand these risks, especially for individuals who may be using marijuana as a coping mechanism for trauma-related symptoms.
Our aim is to provide integrated mental health and addiction care that is sensitive to individual vulnerabilities and experiences.
Come see for yourself the benefits of residential treatment at our state-of-the-art facility. Reach out to Sana at Stowe today to start your path to a better life. One of our caring, qualified professionals is only one phone call away at (802) 553-3836. Call now.
