Cannabis-induced psychosis is a condition that has garnered increasing attention in recent years as cannabis use becomes more widespread. While many people use cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes without any adverse effects, understanding the potential psychological consequences of cannabis consumption is important.

In this guide, we will explain what cannabis-induced psychosis is, explore the symptoms of this condition, and provide advice on treatment and prevention. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use or experiencing unusual symptoms after consuming cannabis, learning about cannabis-induced psychosis can help you make better decisions for your mental health.

Table of Contents

• What Is Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
• Symptoms of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
• How Long Do the Symptoms Last
• How to Treat Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
• How to Prevent Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
• FAQ

What Is Cannabis-Induced Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health issue that affects your perception of reality: A person struggling with psychosis may experience hallucinations (hear or see things that are not there) and delusions (hold on to false beliefs even when presented with facts).

Cannabis-induced psychosis is a subtype of this condition—as the name implies, this temporary psychotic disorder is caused by cannabis use. According to a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry in 2021, as much as 20% of new psychosis cases in the areas where cannabis use is prevalent may be linked to this substance.

Symptoms of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

The symptoms of cannabis-induced psychosis are usually divided into two categories:

● Hallucinations. A person may hear, see, feel, taste, or smell something that is not real. For instance, you may hear voices that have no physical source or see things that are not there. While visual and auditory hallucinations are the most common, some people experience unusual or phantom tastes and smells or have odd sensations on their skin.

● Delusions. Psychosis often makes the person feel paranoid and believe something that is not true. You may start thinking a person close to you wants to harm you or imagine you have special powers or abilities. In some cases, delusions lead to dangerous behavior—for example, a person may decide they can fly and jump off a high point.

Additional symptoms of psychosis include disorganized thoughts, difficulty concentrating, inability to complete a coherent sentence, agitation, and lack of awareness. If you have never consumed cannabis before and started feeling unwell after using it, pay attention to the symptoms listed above.

How Long Do the Symptoms Last?

On average, the symptoms of cannabis-induced psychosis resolve within a week after they appear. In most cases, this condition is temporary—as long as the person stops using cannabis once they realize it has negatively affected their mental health, the symptoms will go away within a few days without any special treatment.

Nonetheless, it is possible to suffer from this type of psychosis in the long term. If the person was vulnerable to psychosis before using cannabis—for example, they were diagnosed with schizophrenia or had a family history of mental disorders—cannabis use may trigger a lengthy episode of psychosis that will require a healthcare professional’s intervention.

How to Treat Cannabis-Induced Psychosis?

Here is what you can do to manage and treat cannabis-induced psychosis:

● Stop using cannabis. It is crucial to discontinue the use of cannabis once you realize it has led to psychosis. Let your friends and family know you are struggling so that they can support you and prevent you from consuming cannabis again.

● Undergo therapy. Reach out to a therapist or a counselor and tell them what you are going through. A mental health professional will be able to diagnose your condition, prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms, and give you a few therapy sessions to help you cope.

● Go to the hospital. In case you are unable to manage the symptoms on your own and your behavior is erratic, it might be a good idea to check into a hospital for a short time. A few days under the supervision of doctors and therapists will do you good.

How to Prevent Cannabis-Induced Psychosis?

Looking forward to reaping the benefits of cannabis without the adverse mental health effects. Below are the best strategies to prevent cannabis-induced psychosis:

● Avoid cannabis if you are vulnerable to psychosis. People with schizophrenia in their medical history—whether they have been personally diagnosed with this disorder or it runs in the family—should stay away from cannabis. High levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis may trigger hallucinations and delusions.

● Opt for low-potency cannabis. THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis responsible for the “high” feeling. By choosing cannabis with a low concentration of THC or sticking to cannabidiol (CBD)—a non-psychoactive compound—you will reduce the risk of psychosis.

● Pay attention to alarming symptoms. Start with a low dose of cannabis and monitor your condition. If you begin hallucinating or feeling paranoid, it may be best to quit cannabis and talk to a healthcare provider, especially if the symptoms persist for several days.

If you or someone you care about is struggling and needs reliable, compassionate support, Los Angeles Mental Health is here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing safe, effective mental health treatment tailored to each individual’s needs. Contact us today to learn more about your options, ask questions, or schedule an appointment. You don’t have to navigate this alone—expert guidance is only a click away.

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