A new study has revealed that the risk of marijuana users suffering from schizophrenia is lower than previously thought.

A previous study published in the journal Addiction states that weed can cause the symptoms of schizophrenic patients even worse. In a conducted study by the University of Bristol, approximately 20,000 people are willing to give up weed just to reduce one case of psychosis.

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According to Ian Hamilton, the co-author of the latest study and a lecturer in mental health at the University of York, high-potency cannabis has fewer chemicals that are believed to fight and protect against negative side-effects like psychosis. When the level of the chemical is higher, that's when psychosis could be triggered.

Their findings revealed that if a person uses highly potent marijuana, there is a greater chance that mental problems like schizophrenia will be developed. Yet, the risk is very low.

The issue of whether marijuana can cause mental health problems has been long debated by scientists. Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute for Drug Abuse, said that marijuana could cause psychotic symptoms, but, it is still uncertain if the cannabis triggers schizophrenia.

Volkow explained that schizophrenic patients prefer to smoke pot to escape that is why the development of symptoms increases. Those who have emerging schizophrenic disorder may also possibly seek for self-medication to treat the disorder.

Meanwhile, a previous study revealed that marijuana could improve the mental health by minimizing the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. But similar to any drugs, pot has certain side effects, and further research is needed to recognize its influence on mental health.