Cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia connection: expert says the drug, “seems to be amplifying some of the consequences that we are seeing”

What: A new study in Psychological Medicine found an association between young men with cannabis use disorder and a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. Furthermore, intense cannabis use may trigger and/or worsen schizophrenia. 

Who: Katharine Sperandio, Ph.D., LPC, ACS, NCC, assistant professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Saint Joseph’s University, actively serves clients in the Philadelphia community so that she can continue to use her clinical experiences to inform her teaching and scholarship. The mission of her research agenda is to increase understanding on how to help those living with addiction promote and sustain their recovery and how to optimally support families who are impacted by addiction.

Dr. Sperandio says this study provides further evidence about some of the potentially deleterious consequences that can come from long-term cannabis use.

“I think the study reinforces the notion that this is an issue that continues to remain relevant and needs further exploration so that mental health professionals can be better prepared to help those who are using cannabis and have a co-occurring mental health disorder,” says Sperandio.

“Cannabis has clearly become more potent over time which seems to be amplifying some of the consequences that we are seeing,” says Sperandio. “As a professional counselor and a counselor educator, it is my ethical responsibility to stay up-to-date on the current research so I can educate both my clients and students appropriately.”

When: Zoom/phone/in-person interview available upon request.

Media Contact: 

Kevin Gfeller, assistant director of public relations at Saint Joseph’s University. 

Email/Phone Number: [email protected], 610-639-8831

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About Saint Joseph’s University

Founded in 1851 as Philadelphia’s Jesuit university, Saint Joseph’s University prepares students for a rapidly changing world by focusing on academic excellence and courageous exploration. With an intellectual tradition distinguished by a foundational liberal arts core and diversified by strong professional programs in education, business, health and science, Saint Joseph’s students are empowered, challenged and supported by high-quality faculty members to follow their own path. As a comprehensive university, undergraduate and graduate students study in the University’s four schools and colleges — the College of Arts and Sciences, the Erivan K. Haub School of Business, the School of Education and Human Development and the School of Health Professions. With academic offerings in the most sought-after majors, including leading programs in the first-in-the-nation Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, nearly 100% of students are employed, pursuing advanced degrees or volunteering in prestigious service programs upon graduation. The University’s network of nearly 100,000 proud alumni keep alive the rallying cry — The Hawk Will Never Die.