I have seen many schizophrenic clients with a history of early marijuana (MJ) use and the more I see it the more I suspect it as a major trigger. Marijuana / cannabis / weed / dope is one of the most commonly used form of recreational drug; the prevalence of MJ past-year use in Canada of people 15 years of age and older hovers around 10%. It induces stresses on the brain and other organ systems. Our clinic protocol is attuned to intervening at a biochemical level that supports nutritional and physiological imbalances imposed on the brain and other organ systems. My Two-Part Review on Schizophrenia is comprehensive and informative and serves as a template for a basic approach to mental illness.
The likelihood of becoming schizophrenic is raised by a factor of 4 in those that start smoking marijuana (MJ) before reaching 16 years of age. Young adults that smoke MJ have almost double the risk of developing recurrent hallucinations, paranoia, and psychosis. There is also a genetic association where certain individuals with given genetic makeups are more predisposed to MJ triggering mental illness. The reengineered forms of MJ used today are not only much more potent than in the 1960’s but certain strains now have much less of the natural protective component of MJ that acts to buffer the psychotic effects of THC (the main psychoactive component of MJ). The protective buffering component is Cannabidiol (CBD). People who smoked MJ with THC and no CBD were more likely to become schizophrenic than those who smoked MJ with both THC and CBD. Hair analysis measures were used to detect THC and CBD.
Hair tissue mineral analysis is used in our clinic not to detect THC or CBD, but to help assess at the tissue (versus blood) level the presence of heavy metals, mineral deficiencies (copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, …), and thyroid/adrenal imbalances. I co-authored a book which describes Minerals in Health & Disease in a desktop reference format; minerals and toxic metals are monographed from A to Z and there is a section on hair mineral assessment.
The above excerpt on MJ is derived from reports of experts in the field as seen in documentary format in the The Downside of High.