Last updated on: 5/13/2008 | Author: ProCon.org

John L. Horwood, PhD Biography

Title:
Research Associate Professor at the Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences at the University of Otago
Position:
Not Clearly Pro or Con to the question "Should Marijuana Be a Medical Option?"
Reasoning:

“Regression models adjusting for observed and non-observed confounding suggested that daily users of cannabis had rates of psychotic symptoms that were between 1.6 and 1.8 times higher (P<0.001) than non-users of cannabis….

The results of the present study add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that regular cannabis use may increase risks of psychosis.

The present study suggests that:
A. the association between cannabis use and psychotic symptoms is unlikely to be due to confounding factors; and
B. the direction of causality is from cannabis use to psychotic symptoms.”

“Tests of Causal Likages Between Cannabis Use and Psychotic Symptoms,” Addiction, 2005
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:
    Experts
Individuals with MDs, PhDs, JDs, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to medical marijuana. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to medical marijuana issues.
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Research Associate Professor, Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Director and Biostatistician, Christchurch Health and Development Study Research Unit
  • Former Senior Research Fellow of the Christchurch Health and Development Study
  • Gold medal award for excellence in research at the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago
Education:
  • PhD, School unknown
Other:
  • None found