As more states move toward legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use, the conversation about its use keeps changing. Cannabis may help with some medical conditions, but new research has raised serious concerns about the link between marijuana and psychosis.
We at Mozell Law Group keep a close eye on these changes because they have an effect on more than just public health. They also have an effect on criminal law, workplace disputes, and civil liability. This is what the most recent information says about marijuana-induced psychosis and the dangers that come with it.
What Is Marijuana-Induced Psychosis?
Cannabis use can cause a temporary mental state known as marijuana-induced psychosis. It can cause symptoms such as:
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- Delusions or paranoia
- Disorganized thinking
- Severe anxiety or agitation
In clinical terminology, the definition of marijuana-induced psychosis pertains to psychotic episodes directly associated with cannabis consumption, which may subside upon the drug’s elimination from the system. But in some cases, the effects last for an extended period of time and can lead to long-term mental health problems.
Does Marijuana Cause Psychosis?
Recent research shows a clear link between using marijuana and having psychosis. Using high concentration THC can make you more likely to have psychotic episodes. Recent data shows that marijuana is definitely a cause of psychosis in people who are already vulnerable, especially young people and people with a family history of mental illness.
Marijuana and Youth: A Higher Risk
Could marijuana make young people go into psychosis? Yes, the answer is. Young people and teens are more likely to get sick because their brains are still growing. Research indicates that early marijuana consumption elevates the risk of developing psychotic disorders in later life.
It is important for parents, guardians, and teachers to know about this link. Prevention efforts often focus on more than just stopping illegal use. They also try to raise awareness of the long-term risks to mental health.
Symptoms of Marijuana Psychosis
Here are some signs that someone might have marijuana psychosis:
- Extreme paranoia
- Confused or irrational speech
- Sudden hallucinations
- Intense fear or aggression
- Detachment from reality
It’s important to know the signs of marijuana-induced psychosis so that early intervention can stop it from getting worse.
How Long Does Marijuana Psychosis Last?
There are a number of things that affect how long a marijuana-induced psychosis lasts, such as how much was taken, how strong it was, and the person’s medical history. The symptoms could go away in a few hours or last for days. But for some people, the event could cause more long-term mental health problems that need both medical and psychological care.
In most cases, marijuana induced psychosis subsides after the use is discontinued. However, for some people, especially those with a family history of mental illnesses like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, the effects may last longer or even come back.
Marijuana, Bipolar Disorder, and Withdrawal
Marijuana and bipolar psychosis have a lot in common. Studies have shown that using cannabis can make bipolar symptoms worse or even cause manic or psychotic episodes.
Heavy marijuana users who stop using it all of a sudden can also get marijuana withdrawal psychosis, which is when the lack of THC causes serious mental health problems.
Why This Matters Legally
The link between marijuana and psychosis worries both the legal and medical fields. Mozell Law Group has seen this kind of case before:
- Criminal defense: where psychosis contributed to erratic or unlawful behavior.
- Personal injury claims: involving impaired decision-making or accidents.
- Employment law: where workplace safety is impacted by cannabis use.
Final Thoughts
As cannabis becomes legalized, we need to think about how it might affect our minds. A lot of research shows that using pot regularly, especially by teens and highly concentrated with THC, makes it more likely that someone will have a psychotic episode.
One of the things that Mozell Law Group does best is help clients figure out what to do when health, law, and policy all come together in a way that isn’t clear.
