This article investigated the relationship between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia which are both problematic disorders recognized in the DSM-5TR. Frequent consumption of cannabis including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may cause paranoia that associates with delusions or hallucinations in some individuals. Schizophrenia may involve symptoms that disrupt an individual’s daily functioning. Though the DSM-5TR recognizes cannabis-induced psychotic disorders, research on whether cannabis use disorder itself may cause schizophrenia remains inconsistent. Two studies investigated population using cannabis, as well as individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder. Six articles investigated interactions involving cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia. Interactions of biological (COMT enzyme, dopamine dysregulation, and endocannabinoid systems), psychological (emotional dysregulation), social (attachment styles) factors may influence early cannabis consumption. Cannabis consumption that develops into cannabis use disorder may contribute to higher risk of developing schizophrenia at an earlier age for individuals already susceptible to the disorder. Finding existing interactions between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia may reduce harm in individuals vulnerable to both disorders.
