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A troubling increase in rates of teen cannabis psychosis is being blamed on today’s more potent cannabis products. In Massachusetts there’s been a surge in the number of teens and young adults who are now seeking addiction treatment for heavy use of high-potency cannabis products.
These products aren’t just putting young people at risk for addiction. They’re also being linked to an increase in severe mental health issues such as psychosis.
From Vaping to Hallucinations
Recently a Massachusetts mother and her son shared their disturbing story. On the surface the teen appeared to be doing well in school, sports and friendships but he was secretly using highly potent THC vape pens.
These vapes are nearly odorless and easy to conceal and his use escalated quickly. The teen recalls his compulsion to smoke numerous times a day–at school, work and home. He describes waking in the middle of the night to vape.
His parents only realized the severity of the situation when he began exhibiting bizarre behavior and experiencing auditory hallucinations. By the time he was hospitalized he was in a full-blown manic state so severe his family feared he might never return to reality.
After months of intensive treatment, including two months in a residential facility, the teen regained stability and is now back on track, but his story is becoming increasingly common across the state and the nation.
THC Potency Driving Teen Cannabis Psychosis
Dr. Sharon Levy of Boston Children’s Hospital and Dr. Aaron Quiggle of Massachusetts General Hospital reports a dramatic rise in young patients seeking help specifically for cannabis-induced psychosis. High-potency cannabis products are significantly more powerful than marijuana available in past decades and may be a leading contributor to the epidemic of teen cannabis psychosis.
Yesterday’s cannabis products typically had THC levels between 1-5% but today’s high-potency varieties may contain as much as 95% THC. Many teens are using these products several times per day and unaware of the risks tied to such frequent, high-dose exposure.
Evidence emphasizes that frequent use of these highly potent products greatly increases the risk of cannabis use disorder and cannabis-induced psychosis. Alarmingly, cannabis-induced psychosis can sometimes evolve into lifelong mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Experts are urgently calling for increased parental education and greater public awareness to address the growing dangers of modern cannabis products. If you suspect a young person in your life is experiencing cannabis addiction, help is available.
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