Study: Cannabis using schizophrenics have better cognitive functioning

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

http://stash.norml.org/study-cannabis-using-schizophrenics-have-better-cognitive-functioning

The Impact of Cannabis Use on Cognitive Functioning in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Meta-analysis of Existing Findings and New Data in a First-Episode Sample.
Yücel M, Bora E, Lubman DI, Solowij N, Brewer WJ, Cotton SM, Conus P, Takagi MJ, Fornito A, Wood SJ, McGorry PD, Pantelis C.

Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, National Neuroscience Facility, Alan Gilbert Building, 161 Barry Street, Carlton South, Victoria 3053, Australia.

Abstract
Cannabis use is highly prevalent among people with schizophrenia, and coupled with impaired cognition, is thought to heighten the risk of illness onset. However, while heavy cannabis use has been associated with cognitive deficits in long-term users, studies among patients with schizophrenia have been contradictory.

This article consists of 2 studies. In Study I, a meta-analysis of 10 studies comprising 572 patients with established schizophrenia (with and without comorbid cannabis use) was conducted. Patients with a history of cannabis use were found to have superior neuropsychological functioning. This finding was largely driven by studies that included patients with a lifetime history of cannabis use rather than current or recent use.

In Study II, we examined the neuropsychological performance of 85 patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and 43 healthy nonusing controls. Relative to controls, FEP patients with a history of cannabis use (FEP + CANN; n = 59) displayed only selective neuropsychological impairments while those without a history (FEP – CANN; n = 26) displayed generalized deficits. When directly compared, FEP + CANN patients performed better on tests of visual memory, working memory, and executive functioning. Patients with early onset cannabis use had less neuropsychological impairment than patients with later onset use.

[opihimoimoi]

1. The GOP needs some POT asap

[asdjrocky]

4. So do the Dems.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4485870

[opihimoimoi]

11. The GOP needs MORE...loads more

:smoke:

[asdjrocky]

2. Oh here we go.

Now someone will come along with a study funded by major drug comparisons or rehab clinics and they show a phony report showing that cannabis actually causes or triggers schizophrenia.

[pscot]

5. I thought we'd already had that one

:smoke:

[Warpy]

7. The smarter DUers quickly pointed out

that all they were seeing was schizophrenics self medicating, exactly the same thing they do with nicotine that also improves cognitive function.

The correlation they saw in their flawed study was one of misunderstood cause and effect, the effect being an attempt at self medication in the early stages of the disease.

[asdjrocky]

9. Very well put Warpy.

You hit the nail on the head.

[bemildred]

3. Oh good.

:popcorn::popcorn:

[Oregone]

6. Is there anything pot isn't good for?

Other than thinking rigidly?

[Warpy]

8. Conservatives

It's a waste of good weed. All they get out of it is paranoid.

[asdjrocky]

10. LOL! nt

[opihimoimoi]

12. and eat a lot.....

[deaniac21]

13. And it heals their lungs!

[Uncle Joe]

14. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, BakedAtAMileHigh.