Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in the world and, according to the latest macro-study by researcher Wayne Hall from the University of Queensland (Australia), it is the least addictive, causing less addiction even than nicotine and alcohol.
The work, which has been published in the journal Addiction , was based on a review of the results of all studies related to cannabis use in the last 20 years . Among the negative conclusions, its effect on pregnant women stands out. Children of women who smoke marijuana during pregnancy have children with a lower birth weight.
Regarding addiction, 10% of people who use marijuana develop dependence ; this percentage increases to 16.5% in the case of adolescents . The difference here is that cannabis is much less addictive than other substances such as nicotine, heroin, cocaine or alcohol. Also, unlike the others, cannabis does not cause fatal overdoses .
Can it cause psychosis? According to the study, cannabis doubles this risk if it is used regularly, especially if there is a family history or if you start smoking marijuana in adolescence. This last condition also favors cognitive disorders , which leads to worse academic results.
“People can have difficulties with cannabis use, especially if they do it on a daily basis for a long period of time. There is no question that heavy users experience a withdrawal syndrome just like alcohol and heroin, ”says Hall.
