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Researchers must be more careful with the language they use when describing the relationship between cannabis use and schizophrenia to avoid causing misinformation and panic in the public, according to a Canadian researcher. In a Perspective the researcher writes the epidemiological evidence does not support the conclusion that cannabis use causes schizophrenia.

Instead the author writes the research indicates cannabis use probably accelerates its onset in genetically susceptible individuals. Given the importance of this distinction researchers must be sure to communicate clearly in their work says the author.

Original research paper published in Nature on September 23, 2015.

Names and affiliations of selected author

Matthew Hill, The Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta