News blog readers know that the ARC WM Director is not at all convinced about the innocent nature claimed for cannabis.[1] In a previous article I have argued that its use is strongly associated with severe mental illness, and that this is likely to be a causal effect, at least in part.[2] New information supports my concerns. Giving equivalent doses to pregnant rats affects the neurobiology and the behaviour of their offspring.[3] The drug acts on the dopamine system and does so especially when the brain is undergoing rapid development. Adolescence is just such a period.

Richard Lilford, ARC WM Director

References:

1. Lilford RJ. Legislation of Marijuana. NIHR CLAHRC WM News Blog. 10 February 2017.
2. Lilford RJ. Cannabis and Schizophrenia: Which Way Around Does Causality Run? NIHR CLAHRC WM News Blog. 5 October 2018.
3. Frau R, Miczán V, Traccis F, et al. Prenatal THC exposure produces a hyperdopaminergic phenotype rescued by pregnenolone. Nature Neurosci. 2019; 22: 1975-85.