![iStock_000015958345XSmall cannabis](https://www.nationalelfservice.net/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/iStock_000015958345XSmall-cannabis-150x150.jpg)
This meta-analysis adds more weight to the argument that cannabis use plays a causal role in the development of psychosis in some patients.
The review pooled 83 studies that reported on age at onset of psychotic illness in substance-using and non–substance-using groups.
The study found that:
- Age at onset of psychosis for cannabis users was 2.70 years younger (standardized mean difference = –0.414) than for nonusers
- For those with broadly defined substance use, the age at onset of psychosis was 2.00 years younger (standardized mean difference = –0.315) than for nonusers
- Alcohol use was not associated with a significantly earlier age at onset of psychosis
Large, M. Sharma, S. Compton, MT. Slade, T. Nielssen, O. Cannabis Use and Earlier Onset of Psychosis: A Systematic Meta-analysis. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011;68(6):555-561. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.5 [Abstract]