Cannabis Use And The Risk Of Psychosis: Understanding The Link

If you’re someone who enjoys using cannabis, you may be curious about the potential risks associated with its use. One area of concern is the link between cannabis use and psychosis. In this article, we’ll explore the research on this topic, including the factors that contribute to the risk of psychosis and how you can minimize your own risk.

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a term used to describe a range of mental health conditions that affect a person’s ability to think clearly, perceive reality accurately, and interact with others. Symptoms of psychosis can include delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (sensory experiences that aren’t real), disordered thinking, and unusual behavior.

The Link Between Cannabis Use And Psychosis

Studies have found that there is a link between cannabis use and psychosis. Specifically, using high-potency cannabis (which contains high levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis) has been associated with a higher risk of developing psychosis. One study found that people who used high-potency cannabis daily were five times more likely to develop psychosis than those who never used cannabis.

It’s important to note that not everyone who uses cannabis will develop psychosis, and that other factors (such as genetics and environmental factors) also play a role in the development of psychosis.

Can Marijuana Use Cause Psychosis?

Drugs and other substances are one of the primary triggers of psychotic symptoms. This type of condition is referred to as drug or alcohol-related psychosis and can occur with the use of several substances including stimulants, or hallucinogenic drugs like LSD and alcohol. For some people, the use of a substance can trigger psychosis but if someone with a substance use disorder attempts to quit using the substance abruptly, they can experience psychosis as well.

A report released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine presented evidence that people who use large amounts of marijuana frequently are more likely to trigger psychotic symptoms. If someone has an underlying or diagnosed mental health disorder and a co-occurring marijuana use disorder, they risk worsening the symptoms of the disorder.

Factors That Contribute To The Risk Of Psychosis

As we mentioned earlier, using high-potency cannabis is one factor that can contribute to the risk of developing psychosis. However, there are other factors that also play a role. These include:

• Age of first use: People who start using cannabis at a younger age (such as in their teenage years) are at a higher risk of developing psychosis.
• Frequency and duration of use: Using cannabis frequently and over a long period of time can increase the risk of developing psychosis.
• Genetics: People with a family history of psychosis or other mental health conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of cannabis.
• Other mental health conditions: People who have a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions may be more likely to develop psychosis after using cannabis.

Minimizing Your Risk

If you’re someone who enjoys using cannabis but is concerned about the potential risk of developing psychosis, there are several things you can do to minimize your risk:

• Choose lower-potency strains: Using cannabis strains with lower levels of THC can reduce your risk of developing psychosis.
• Avoid using cannabis at a young age: If you’re under the age of 18, it’s best to avoid using cannabis altogether.
• Use cannabis in moderation: Using cannabis in moderation (rather than using it frequently or daily) can reduce your risk of developing psychosis.
• Be aware of your mental health history: If you have a history of mental health conditions, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with cannabis use and talk to a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
• Consider alternative forms of cannabis: Some people find that using CBD (which does not produce the psychoactive effects of THC) can provide some of the benefits of cannabis without the potential risks.