Cannabis Psychosis: Explained
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Time: 4 min
Introduction
Cannabis use is widespread, but it carries potential risks. One serious concern is cannabis psychosis, marked by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thought. This condition significantly impacts users and their families.
This guide explores cannabis psychosis, including symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and current research. We'll examine this complex relationship honestly and accurately, so you are better informed about the use of cannabis products and mental health.
Table of Content
Introduction What is Cannabis Psychosis? Unveiling the Risks and Causes Potency Matters Genes and Environment Frequency of Use Recognizing the Symptoms Distinct Signs of Cannabis Psychosis Seeking Help and Treatment Stopping Cannabis Use Medicines and Therapy The Path Forward: Ongoing Research and Understanding Conclusion FAQs About Cannabis Psychosis
What is Cannabis Psychosis?
Cannabis psychosis involves psychotic symptoms during or after cannabis use. And it can happen while smoking flowers, eating delicious gummies or consuming any other product. Individuals might experience hallucinations (seeing or hearing things) or delusions (believing false things).
It can be frightening and requires investigation beyond general cannabis intoxication and associated confusion, particularly given the increasing prevalence of high-THC cannabis. Psychosis can occur even with occasional use by regular users.
Unveiling the Risks and Causes
Several factors influence cannabis psychosis. While research is ongoing, we know a few contributing factors, including potential confounders.
Potency Matters
High-potency cannabis, rich in Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), seems to increase risk significantly. Even a potency of 6% is substantial. A 2020 European study supports this, linking higher potency to increased hallucinations and delusions. High levels of THC appear to be particularly problematic, and has a higher likelihood of causing cannabis psychosis for vulnerable individuals.
Genes and Environment
Genetics can increase sensitivity to cannabis’s effects. Certain genes may increase the risk of developing psychosis after cannabis consumption. Environmental influences like stressful life events or early exposure also contribute.
Frequency of Use
How often you use cannabis plays a significant role. Frequent cannabis consumption increases vulnerability to psychotic-like experiences. Persistent, regular use heightens this vulnerability further.
Early use during adolescence and young adulthood, key brain development periods, raises serious concerns about the potential for onset psychosis. This early use can lead to higher rates of mental health problems later in life.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Cannabis psychosis often resembles other psychotic disorders. Research reveals a specific symptom profile that can help with diagnosis.
Distinct Signs of Cannabis Psychosis
When deciding whether you might experience cannabis psychosis, look for rapid mood swings, paranoia, and psychotic symptoms after cannabis consumption, particularly with increased use and higher THC levels. Note a neurotic quality to mood symptoms, such as excessive phobia and obsessive thinking.
Feature |
Idiopathic Psychosis |
Cannabis-Induced Psychosis |
Onset |
Gradual |
Sudden (within 1 week of use) |
Mood Symptoms |
Less prominent |
More prominent (anxiety, depression, phobia) |
Negative Symptoms |
More prominent |
Less prominent |
Insight |
Often impaired |
Often preserved |
Seeking Help and Treatment
While there are no quick fixes for cannabis psychosis, early treatment is essential. Professional help is key for individuals experiencing a psychotic episode.
Stopping Cannabis Use
When battling cannabis psychosis, abstinence is crucial. Mental health and addiction professionals can offer support programs and resources. This can prevent cannabis use disorder and related complications like high potency tolerance. This support helps users reduce cannabis consumption safely.
Medicines and Therapy
Professionals may consider medications, including antipsychotics. Therapy can equip individuals with coping mechanisms and life skills. Motivational interviewing has proven beneficial for some.
In Other Words: Cannabis psychosis can be influenced by high-potency THC, frequent use, and individual factors like genetics and early exposure, especially during young adulthood. Symptoms include mood swings, paranoia, and other psychotic-like experiences, which can appear suddenly after using cannabis. Seeking help early, stopping cannabis use, and using therapy or medication can make a big difference in managing these symptoms.
The Path Forward: Ongoing Research and Understanding
Despite continued research, including longitudinal evidence and randomized controlled trials, many aspects of cannabis psychosis remain unclear, particularly the long-term outcomes and optimal treatment plans. This includes the long-term impact of adverse events related to cannabis use.
The rise in legalized recreational cannabis and high-potency products increases the need for public awareness. Efforts should focus on the long-term implications of heavy cannabis use for brain health, especially among young people. Overconsumption can cause anxiety, even in experienced cannabis users. Continued cannabis studies are necessary to navigate cannabis psychosis and have a better public health perspective.
Further research needs to address questions surrounding high-THC concentrates like wax or oil, where reported potency can reach 95%. More information is needed regarding adverse effects and increased risk of acute psychosis.
Conclusion
Cannabis psychosis is a serious public health concern. This connection can cause significant issues for young adults, especially with readily available high-THC products. Early onset can increase vulnerability later in life, highlighting the need for responsible reporting of subjective cannabis intoxication to improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce harm through public health education.
Half of those with cannabis-induced psychosis may develop schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, impacting not only users but also society. Open communication among users, their support systems, and healthcare providers is crucial for safer cannabis use. Further research into the acute effects of cannabis is needed.
"Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all."
FAQs About Cannabis Psychosis
What is cannabis psychosis?
Cannabis psychosis is a mental health condition where some people experience paranoia, hallucinations, or mood swings after using cannabis, especially high-THC varieties.
Who is most at risk of cannabis psychosis?
People who use high-potency cannabis, use it often, or start at a young age are more at risk. Genetics and stressful life events can also increase vulnerability.
Can cannabis psychosis go away on its own?
Symptoms may reduce if cannabis use is stopped, but professional help, including therapy and support, can be very helpful in managing symptoms and preventing recurrence.
Author: Edijs Eleksis
Growing up in a country where cannabis was stigmatized and even shamed, Edijs faced many roadblocks to get to enjoy the benefits of this plant. However, as more countries worldwide are opening up to the idea of cannabis-available society, Edijs is inspired to take on a mission: spreading awareness about cannabis and its industry in Europe through engaging, educational blog content. Because only with more information, humans as a collective, can make decisions that are better for all of us!
