Marijuana use among teens can lead to psychotic symptoms, researchers find

By Staff Writer

A new study reveals that problem teens who smoke marijuana are at risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms and developing mental problems later in life.

The study, which was published in the online version of the British Medical Journal, examined the mental health of 1,923 individuals between 14 and 24 years old. They gauged their use of cannabis as well as their psychotic symptoms over a period of 10 years, testing them every four years on average. They excluded participants who had reported previous use of marijuana or past mental disorders.

Researchers found that adolescents who started using the substance during the study period were almost twice as likely to develop psychotic symptoms. In addition, participants who continued to smoke cannabis throughout the decade were more likely to experience feelings of psychosis.

The study's authors said that government officials need to re-examine the manner in which they punish teens who are caught with marijuana. Instead of simply throwing these adolescents in jail or handing out fines - which typically does not effect rates of use - these youths should be educated about the psychological dangers associated with the substance.

Problem teens who use illegal drugs may benefit from the structure and disciplined environment of boarding schools.