Researchers report that cannabis use is associated with an earlier first episode of psychosis in some people. The study examines how the timing of cannabis use relates to when symptoms begin, focusing on people who develop psychosis for the first time.
Both outlets summarize findings that cannabis use in the 30s, for those susceptible to psychosis, corresponds to a notably earlier onset compared with those who do not use cannabis. ABC reports an average delay of more than six years between first-onset psychosis in cannabis users and in non-users. The Conversation similarly reports an earlier onset of about 6.3 years.
The Conversation frames the results as a challenge to the idea that cannabis is “safer” in the 20s and 30s, arguing that age does not eliminate risk. ABC emphasizes that age appears to matter in relation to symptom onset timing, highlighting differences in when psychosis develops rather than claiming overall safety for any age group.
