A second study, published in Psychological Medicine, examined how childhood trauma influences the relationship between cannabis use and paranoia. Just over half of participants reported some form of trauma, with physical and emotional abuse emerging as the strongest predictors of later paranoia. Those who reported sexual, emotional, or physical abuse also consumed higher amounts of THC weekly.
Dr Giulia Trotta, first author of this study, said,
“This comprehensive study is the first to explore the interplay between childhood trauma, paranoia, and cannabis use among cannabis users from the general population. We have not only established a clear association between trauma and future paranoia, but also that cannabis use can further exacerbate the effects of this, depending on what form the trauma takes.”
Professor Marta Di Forti, senior author of both studies, added, “My experience in clinic tells me that there are groups of people who start to use cannabis as a means of coping with physical and emotional pain. My research has confirmed that this is not without significant further risk to their health and wellbeing, and policy makers across the world should be mindful of the impact that legalisation, without adequate public education and health support, could have.”
Together, these studies highlight that both early motivations for cannabis use and experiences of childhood trauma can shape later risks of paranoia and heavy use, underlining the importance of public health education and early clinical screening.