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Recreational use of cannabis is popular and considered normal. The medical profession largely regards the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis as safe, and it’s legal in 24 states. Around 61.9 million Americans used cannabis in 2022. Names for cannabis include weed, marijuana, ganja, and dope.
But since the use of weed was legalized, the relative concentrations of the main active ingredients, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, have changed. According to the DEA, high-potency cannabis with THC concentrations of 16% and more has become the norm. These higher levels of THC appear to increase the risk of cannabis psychosis. In Canada, where cannabis was legalized in 2008, the Lancet reports emergency department visits for cannabis-induced anxiety increased by 31%.
Rise in Demand for High-Potency Cannabis Products
In the 1980s, the THC content of marijuana was around 2%. Within a decade, it had doubled, and by 2017, the THC concentration from Colorado’s cannabis dispensaries was between 17% and 28%. The THC levels in cannabis flowers and concentrates available from dispensaries are commonly more than 40%, while synthetic cannabinoids can have even higher levels of THC.
The reasons for the increase in THC concentrations are unclear. Some users say it’s to get a faster high, while others claim high weed prices encourage users to buy high-THC varieties. A more nefarious explanation is that higher levels of THC increase the possibility of addiction, which is being exploited by the cannabis industry.
Potential Mental Health Impacts, Including Psychosis and Anxiety
Much research has been done into the potential mental health impacts of using cannabis. In Australia, a study of cannabis use among 1,600 schoolgirls from 44 schools showed girls who occasionally used cannabis were twice as likely to later experience depression and anxiety compared to those who didn’t use cannabis. Those who used it daily were five times more likely to develop these mental health issues. Among older adults, marijuana use may increase symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Of greater concern is evidence that cannabis users have an increased risk of psychosis. Research in the United Kingdom revealed users who often smoked high-potency cannabis had a higher risk of a first episode of psychosis. There’s also evidence that some users demonstrate symptoms of schizophrenia. A study of 50,000 Swedish military conscripts revealed individuals who used cannabis before the age of 18 were 2.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Research Findings on THC Strength and Addiction Risk
In addition to the risk of psychosis, evidence suggests regularly using cannabis with high THC levels may lead to a cannabis use disorder or addiction. In the 1970s, the THC concentration in herbal cannabis was between 0.5% and 4%, but now it’s commonly around 20%. THC levels in cannabis resin are between 30% and 55%.
A study published by the University of Bath in the UK, involving more than 120,000 people, showed that high-THC cannabis was more likely to result in addiction than low-potency products. The article notes there’s been a 76% increase in the number of cannabis users receiving treatment for addiction over the last decade.
In the United States, Yale Medicine claims that 13% of American adults use cannabis products and 10% of those smoking cannabis will become addicted.
Impact on Youth and Developing Brains
There are concerns about the effect of marijuana use on brain development among adolescents and young adults. While the brain physically stops growing in the early teens, development continues through adolescence. The prefrontal motor cortex responsible for reasoning, decision-making, and cognitive behavior only finishes development in the mid-20s.
A study conducted by the University of California revealed that adolescents who used cannabis at least twice a week for 3 years performed worse on cognitive tests. These included poorer performance on memory-related tasks and a reduced attention span. Another researcher from the University of Minnesota discovered cannabis use was linked to poorer educational outcomes and lower occupational status.
The CDC reports that teens who use cannabis are more likely to leave school early and not go on to obtain a college degree. Negative effects of cannabis use during teens include:
- Poor coordination
- Short attention span
- Difficulties with learning and memory
- Poor problem-solving skills
Lifetime Use and Risk of Cannabis Psychosis
Long-term users of cannabis are more at risk of psychosis than those who use it periodically and for a short time. The effect is more severe with high-potency cannabis than with more traditional low-THC strains.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, extended marijuana use is linked to noticeable cognitive effects in later life. The IQ of long-term cannabis users may decline by 5.5 points on average from their childhood level. As already mentioned, long-term cannabis users develop memory and attention problems.
This is more noticeable in individuals who use cannabis heavily. At the same time, regular use of cannabis increases the risk of psychosis, especially in people who may be vulnerable. These include users with a family or personal history of schizophrenia.
Harm Reduction and Awareness for Users
While the recreational use of cannabis may be safe, users need to be aware that sustained and frequent use of high-potency weed may be addictive. Although many believe cannabis can help anxiety and depression, in heavier doses the opposite more often occurs. Overall, not much evidence exists to support the idea that cannabis is suitable for treating mental health issues.
Added to that, a significant body of medical evidence indicates long-term use can cause changes in the brain and lead to cannabis use disorder. Other side effects include increased anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
Many people experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop or cut down on heavy cannabis use. These include irritability, aggression, restlessness, and insomnia. At FHE, we can help reduce withdrawal symptoms through our medically supervised detoxification program. These are supported by appropriate therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management. Antipsychotic drugs are useful for treating psychosis and schizophrenia.
Getting Professional Help for Cannabis Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling to control cannabis use or has experienced depression, anxiety, or a psychotic episode, help is available. While recreational use of cannabis is widely accepted, cannabis addiction is real. Addiction is a treatable disease, and at FHE Health’s recovery campus, we give you space to recover. Contact us now for further information on how we can help.
