CCPRT is a multi-site collaboration that aims to study the harmful features of cannabis exposure, identify biomarkers of risk, test intervention approaches to reduce the cognitive and mental health burden of cannabis, and develop recommendations for the prevention of cannabis-induced psychosis.
While cannabis is considered a relatively safe psychoactive substance, cannabis-related psychosis risk is a significant public health concern, for which no evidence-based screening or intervention strategies exist. Psychosis often follows heavy cannabis use, particularly if use starts early and is sustained during adolescence. Research also suggests that some individuals, those with genetic and psychosocial risk markers, are more susceptible to cannabis-induced psychosis. What is not known is how to identify and protect individuals at risk of cannabis-related psychosis from such harm.
While cannabis is considered a relatively safe psychoactive substance, cannabis-related psychosis risk is a significant public health concern, for which no evidence-based screening or intervention strategies exist. Psychosis often follows heavy cannabis use, particularly if use starts early and is sustained during adolescence. Research also suggests that some individuals, those with genetic and psychosocial risk markers, are more susceptible to cannabis-induced psychosis. What is not known is how to identify and protect individuals at risk of cannabis-related psychosis from such harm.
CCPRT brings together research teams from across Canada to coordinate translational research (from animal models to humans) on the effects of cannabis on adolescent brain development, and the neural processes implicated in the relationship between adolescent cannabis use and psychosis risk.
Our research teams collaborate on an integrated research program that spans animal studies, genetics studies, longitudinal developmental and clinical cohorts, big-data analytics and prevention. All participants will mutually benefit from data-pooling activities and a translational research framework, resulting in exceptional data output and knowledge for the public.
Co-leads: Dr. Patricia Conrod (University of Montreal) and Dr. Phil Tibbo (Dalhousie University)
Dr. Stephane Potvin (University of Montreal)
Dr. Candice Crocker (Dalhousie University)
Dr. Tomas Paus (University of Montreal)
Dr. Sherry Stewart (Dalhousie University)
Dr. Cecilia Flores (McGill University)
Dr. Zdenka Pausova (University of Toronto)
Dr. Sylvana Cote (University of Montreal)
Dr. Jeremy Watts (University of Montreal)
