A Mini-Review Found Suggestive Evidence That Cannabis Use Increases Suicide Risk in People With Schizophrenia
Across 12 studies examining cannabis use and suicide risk in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, cohort studies consistently pointed toward increased suicide risk with cannabis exposure, with the strongest signals among men and during first-episode psychosis.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Three cohort studies agreed that cannabis use was associated with increased suicide risk in schizophrenia patients. Cross-sectional studies and one case-control study yielded contradictory results. Qualitative synthesis suggested a positive correlation, particularly for first-episode psychosis (FEP) and male patients.
Key Numbers
12 studies included. 3 cohort studies showed increased risk. 6 cross-sectional studies yielded mixed results. Male gender and first-episode psychosis identified as key risk modifiers.
How They Did This
Mini-review searching PubMed, Scopus, and PsycInfo from January 2010 to February 2022. Included 6 cross-sectional, 3 cohort, 1 case-control, 1 RCT, and 1 case report.
Why This Research Matters
Both cannabis use and psychotic disorders independently increase suicide risk. Understanding whether their combination creates additional risk is critical for clinical management, especially during the vulnerable first-episode psychosis period.
The Bigger Picture
This review highlights a concerning but still uncertain signal. The consistency of cohort studies (which are methodologically stronger than cross-sectional designs) versus the mixed cross-sectional findings suggests the association may be real but difficult to detect without longitudinal follow-up.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Mini-review rather than systematic review with meta-analysis. Small number of included studies (12). Heterogeneous study designs make comparison difficult. Cannot determine causation. Publication bias possible.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does cannabis use directly increase suicide risk in psychosis, or is it a marker for other risk factors?
- ?Should cannabis screening be standard in suicide risk assessment for psychosis patients?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Cohort studies consistently linked cannabis to increased suicide risk in schizophrenia
- Evidence Grade:
- Mini-review of 12 studies with consistent cohort study findings but mixed cross-sectional results.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2023 reviewing literature from 2010-2022.
- Original Title:
- CANNABIS USE AND SUICIDE IN NON-AFFECTIVE PSYCHOSIS: A MINI-REVIEW OF RECENT LITERATURE.
- Published In:
- Psychiatria Danubina, 35(3), 307-319 (2023)
- Authors:
- Ricci, Valerio(14), Cristofori, Enrico, Passarello, Erica, Paggi, Andrea, Cavallo, Alex, Ceci, Franca, Martinotti, Giovanni, De Berardis, Domenico, Maina, Giuseppe
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04879
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis increase suicide risk in people with schizophrenia?
Cohort studies in this review consistently suggested yes, with the strongest signal among men and during first-episode psychosis. However, cross-sectional studies yielded mixed results, and the evidence is not conclusive.
Who is most at risk?
The review identified male gender and first-episode psychosis as key factors that may amplify the association between cannabis use and suicide risk in schizophrenia.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04879APA
Ricci, Valerio; Cristofori, Enrico; Passarello, Erica; Paggi, Andrea; Cavallo, Alex; Ceci, Franca; Martinotti, Giovanni; De Berardis, Domenico; Maina, Giuseppe. (2023). CANNABIS USE AND SUICIDE IN NON-AFFECTIVE PSYCHOSIS: A MINI-REVIEW OF RECENT LITERATURE.. Psychiatria Danubina, 35(3), 307-319. https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2023.307
MLA
Ricci, Valerio, et al. "CANNABIS USE AND SUICIDE IN NON-AFFECTIVE PSYCHOSIS: A MINI-REVIEW OF RECENT LITERATURE.." Psychiatria Danubina, 2023. https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2023.307
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "CANNABIS USE AND SUICIDE IN NON-AFFECTIVE PSYCHOSIS: A MINI-..." RTHC-04879. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/ricci-2023-cannabis-use-and-suicide
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.