Long-term cannabis use may increase the risk of psychosis in which individuals?

• A. Vulnerable individuals with genetic or personal risk factors.
• B. All individuals equally.
• C. Only infants.
• D. Only elderly individuals.

Answer: (A)

Vulnerability shapes how cannabis affects psychosis risk. Long-term cannabis use is linked to a higher chance of developing psychotic experiences or disorders, but this risk isn’t the same for everyone. It’s greatest in people who already have genetic or personal risk factors for psychosis, meaning a family history or existing vulnerabilities in mental health. Regular use or high-potency cannabis can more readily trigger or unmask psychotic symptoms in these individuals, especially during adolescence when the brain is still developing. Those without such risk factors have a much lower likelihood that cannabis alone will lead to psychosis. So, long-term use increases risk mainly among vulnerable individuals with genetic or personal risk factors.