Question
Cannabis abuse may be associated with ‑
| A. |
Psychosis |
| B. |
Schizophrenia |
| C. |
Anxiety |
| D. |
Flash-back |
|
Correct Answer » A Explanation |
 |
Clinical Reasoning for the Correct Answer
– Cannabis abuse can precipitate acute psychotic episodes characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
– Psychosis related to cannabis is often transient but can be severe, especially with high doses or potent forms.
– Use of cannabis increases the risk of developing psychosis especially in vulnerable individuals with genetic predisposition.
Why Option A (Psychosis) is Correct
– Cannabis-induced psychosis is a well-documented phenomenon and can occur independently or as a trigger for chronic psychotic disorders.
Why Option B (Schizophrenia) is Incorrect
– Cannabis abuse is a risk factor for schizophrenia but does not directly cause it.
– Schizophrenia is a chronic, genetically influenced disorder with complex pathophysiology; cannabis mainly acts as a precipitant in predisposed individuals, not the sole cause.
Why Option C (Anxiety) is Incorrect
– Cannabis may cause transient anxiety or panic attacks, but anxiety disorders are not classically considered a direct outcome of cannabis abuse.
– Anxiety is less specific and can be multifactorial; it may coexist but is not a primary cannabis-related psychiatric syndrome.
Why Option D (Flashbacks) is Incorrect
– Flashbacks are characteristic of hallucinogen use, especially lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), not cannabis.
– Cannabis does not classically cause perceptual flashbacks after cessation of use.