Study Finds Cannabis Users With Psychotic Disorders Report More Health Issues

New research shows individuals with conditions like schizophrenia face elevated physical and mental health problems linked to cannabis use.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:15pm

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A new study has found that people with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, who also use cannabis report experiencing a wider range of health problems than previously documented. The research shows this population faces disproportionate harms, including worsening mental health symptoms as well as elevated rates of physical health issues like heart, blood pressure, and digestive problems, which they attributed to their cannabis use.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the need for greater awareness and support around the potential health risks of cannabis use, especially among individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. This research could inform public health policies and treatment approaches to better address the complex needs of this vulnerable population.

The details

The study, published in the Community Mental Health Journal, analyzed responses from 4,144 Washington state cannabis users surveyed between 2020 and 2023 as part of the University of Waterloo's International Cannabis Policy Study. The results suggest that people with psychotic disorders who use cannabis face a range of physical and mental health challenges that they directly attribute to their cannabis consumption.

  • The study was published on January 16, 2026.
  • The survey data was collected between 2020 and 2023.

The players

Beatriz Carlini

The study's first author and a research associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral health sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

University of Waterloo

The institution behind the International Cannabis Policy Study, which provided the survey data used in this research.

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What they’re saying

“From past research, we know that people with psychoses often use cannabis. Our paper suggests that this population faces disproportionate harms of deteriorating psychiatric and physical health.”

— Beatriz Carlini, Research Associate Professor (Community Mental Health Journal)

What’s next

The findings from this study could inform future research and public health initiatives aimed at better understanding and addressing the complex health needs of individuals with mental health conditions who use cannabis.

The takeaway

This research highlights the potential for significant health risks associated with cannabis use among people with pre-existing psychotic disorders, underscoring the importance of tailored support and harm reduction strategies for this vulnerable population.