What is Cannabis-Induced Psychosis? by Rehab Recovery Centers

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marijuana is the most common drug of abuse in the United States, with 48.2 million people using it in 2019.[1]

Marijuana is thought to be a “safe” drug to consume. While the risks of consuming cannabis are fewer than that of other drugs like opioids or stimulants, this substance can still cause harm when used excessively.

One of the most concerning risks associated with heavy marijuana consumption is cannabis-induced psychosis. Individuals who have a high risk of developing a psychotic disorder could be triggered by cannabis, causing the symptoms of psychosis to begin.

Understanding Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Psychosis is a condition that causes people to become disconnected from reality. This psychiatric phenomenon causes symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and talking incoherently. While this condition can be triggered naturally, certain substances can lead to its emergence as well.

The most common form of substance-induced psychosis is cannabis-induced psychosis. Other substances capable of causing psychosis include:

  • Alcohol
  • Opioids
  • Sedatives
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines
  • Methamphetamine
  • PCP
  • Hallucinogens

While cannabis-induced psychosis is sparked by heavy and frequent marijuana abuse, there is uncertainty surrounding the exact cause of this condition. However, many experts believe that this only occurs in people who already face a high risk of developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Symptoms of Marijuana Psychosis

Psychotic episodes are characterized by a disconnection from reality. This can be extremely distressing for the individual experiencing it and their loved ones.

The symptoms of cannabis-induced psychosis include:

  • Anxiety and Agitation – may begin as restlessness and progress to paranoia and hostility
  • Dissociation and Depersonalization – feeling disconnected from the world and detached from their own mind or body
  • Delusions – feelings of grandiosity and invincibility
  • Hallucinations – auditory hallucinations are most common with marijuana psychosis as well as visual hallucinations
  • Disorganized Thoughts and Speech – patterns of thinking and speaking may seem garbled and confused

It is also important for people to understand the positive and negative symptoms of psychosis. Positive symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking/speech, and disorganized motor behavior. Negative symptoms include diminished emotional expression, lack of motivation, alogia (not speaking), an inability to feel pleasure, and asociality.[2]

When someone has cannabis-induced psychosis syndrome, they will also display the symptoms of marijuana intoxication. These symptoms may include:

  • Euphoria
  • Excessive drowsiness
  • Altered perception
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Dry mouth
  • Increased appetite
  • Inappropriate laughing
  • Slowed reflexes and coordination issues
  • Impaired cognitive abilities

Causes and Risk Factors of Marijuana Psychosis

Smoking any amount of marijuana could lead to psychosis in a person who is vulnerable to psychotic disorders. However, the risk increases substantially when marijuana is used excessively and frequently. Additionally, abusing marijuana during adolescence puts individuals at a higher risk of developing psychotic symptoms in adulthood.

Alongside marijuana use, the following factors put people at a higher risk of developing cannabis-induced psychosis:

  • Family history of substance use disorders
  • Family history of psychotic disorders
  • Personal history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression
  • Previous injuries to the head
  • Additional drug use
  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood
  • Birth complications or poor maternal health during pregnancy

How is Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Diagnosed?

Cannabis-induced psychosis requires both a marijuana use disorder diagnosis and a psychotic episode diagnosis.

To diagnose a marijuana use disorder, health professionals must find at least two of the following symptoms:

  • Overuse of cannabis despite intentions
  • Releases after previously quitting cannabis use
  • Using and recovering from the effects of marijuana takes up a lot of time
  • The use of marijuana continues despite facing negative consequences
  • Cannabis use interferes with responsibilities
  • The individual engages in dangerous behavior while using cannabis
  • Use of the drug continues despite negative mental and physical health effects
  • Frequent cravings for cannabis
  • Tolerance of marijuana leads to escalating use
  • Withdrawal symptoms occur when the drug is not consumed

Not everyone with a marijuana use disorder will experience psychosis. This usually occurs in individuals with a predisposition for psychotic disorders.

If an individual is experiencing the symptoms of psychosis, a mental health professional will look at their symptoms to determine whether a marijuana-induced psychotic episode diagnosis is appropriate.

The criteria for the diagnosis of marijuana psychosis include:

  • Psychotic symptoms began shortly after cannabis use, or within a month after withdrawal symptoms, if they have quit using marijuana
  • The symptoms cannot be traced to a pre-existing condition that causes psychotic episodes
  • Hallucinations and delusions are experienced in connection with marijuana use and are not related to delirium from acute drug intoxication
  • Psychotic symptoms continue to affect the individual for an extended period and cause serious life disruption

Finding Help for Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Struggling with marijuana use disorder or cannabis-induced psychosis is never easy. If you or a loved one experience the symptoms of psychosis after smoking marijuana, it’s time to seek professional help. A dual diagnosis treatment center could provide you with the tools you need to recover from psychosis and addiction to marijuana simultaneously.

Contact Rehab Recovery Centers today to get connected with a dual diagnosis cannabis addiction treatment center.

References:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/data-statistics.htm
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6861931/

Get Help Today

Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. There are people who can help you with the struggle you’re facing. Get in touch with one today.