Doctors, researchers, and a government agency in the United States are warning about the heightened risk of developing psychotic disorders or schizophrenia among teenagers and young adults who use cannabis. Thousands of cases have been diagnosed, revealing a 50 percent increase in the number of people diagnosed with mental health or psychotic disorders linked to cannabis use in November compared to four years ago, according to healthcare analytics company Truveta.
Despite the rise in diagnoses, cannabis remains widely popular nationwide, with approximately 52 million people admitting to its use at some point in 2021, as per federal data. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that around 30 percent of high school seniors used marijuana in the past year in 2021.
While the stigma associated with cannabis has diminished, and it is legalized for recreational use in 24 states and for medical use in 38, concerns about its impact on mental health persist. Dr. Deepak D’Souza, the Albert E. Kent Endowed Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University, emphasized that cannabis is an environmental factor contributing to the risk of schizophrenia, with complex interactions between cannabis exposure and genetic risk playing a role.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted the risks associated with marijuana use, noting that users are more likely to experience temporary psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, and long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia.
A 2017 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry revealed a 47 percent risk of developing schizophrenia or bipolar disorder after just one psychotic episode linked to cannabis use. Those aged 16 to 25 faced the highest risk, reinforcing the association between cannabis use and severe mental health outcomes.
Concerns about the impact of cannabis use on mental health have intensified following the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many, particularly children and teenagers, grappling with strained mental health, anxiety, and addiction. Clinical psychologist Karen Cassiday highlighted that the pandemic triggered substance abuse, with anxious teens turning to cannabis in the hope of calming their nerves, despite its potential adverse effects of increasing anxiety and paranoia.
In Colorado, where recreational cannabis was legalized from 2012 to 2014, a study found a ninefold increase in emergency department visits for psychotic disorders related to cannabis use, underscoring the need for continued vigilance regarding the mental health implications of widespread cannabis use.
