Psychosis risk

Quantified risk

Use patternPooled OR
Any use vs none~1.4
Daily/heavy use~2.3–3.0
High-potency cannabisup to 5.7 (some datasets)

Clear dose-response relationship. Not limited to heavy daily users — any use shows elevation.

Effect modifiers

  • Genetics: COMT, AKT1, BDNF, DRD2 variants
  • Adolescent onset: substantially elevated risk
  • Potency: THC concentration matters; CBD may be protective (not confirmed)

Vitals context

Cannabis is often socially framed as low-risk. Psychosis risk is one of the clearest areas where that framing is demonstrably incomplete.

Cannabis, CB1 receptor