Understanding Marijuana-Induced Psychosis
What Is Marijuana-Induced Psychosis?
Marijuana psychosis is a short-lived psychotic episode due to the use of marijuana. This is a state of being disconnected from reality with symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
Marijuana-induced psychosis is different, as it typically resolves with or without intervention and is often a situational episode within the spectrum of short-term mental health issues. However, it may sound alarming and scary to people who encounter it, especially among those who have no idea how marijuana can make you behave.
How Does Marijuana Cause Psychosis?
Marijuana is a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound in the marijuana plant that creates the mind-altering effects you may be familiar with. THC binds to the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors, which are essential for mood memory and perception. For some people, and especially those with a predisposition to certain mental disorders, marijuana can be too strong, triggering symptoms of marijuana psychosis.
It is essential to know how THC works with the brain’s dopamine system. Dopamine is involved in feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward. THC, in high doses, can dramatically disturb the dopamine balance and result in altered states of perception as well as psychotic symptoms.
The Science Behind Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorders
Cannabis-induced psychotic disorder, also called weed psychosis for short abuse, is when somebody has psychotic symptoms after taking marijuana. There are many effects of cannabis that are caused by these brain cannabinoid receptors.
Overstimulation of these receptors by THC directly leads to sensory hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis. Most people will experience, at best, a moment of mild confusion or a hyper-perception of paranoia from using marijuana, but some are so severe as to need medical attention.
Marijuana, especially in high doses or with high-THC strains, has been associated with an increased risk of psychosis in susceptible individuals by scientists. In addition to the fact that it can also lead to long-term or regular use, which could potentially cause the development of schizophrenia for some (along with chronic mental health illness).
Recognizing Marijuana Psychosis Symptoms
Common Symptoms of Marijuana-Induced Psychosis
Recognizing the symptoms of marijuana-induced psychosis symptoms is crucial for seeking timely help. Some of the most common symptoms include:
| Hallucinations | Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real. |
| Delusions | Holding false beliefs, such as believing someone is watching or controlling them. |
| Paranoia | Extreme fear or anxiety, often about other people or situations. |
| Confusion | Difficulty thinking clearly or processing information. |
| Disorientation | A sense of being detached from reality or unsure of one’s surroundings. |
These symptoms are terrifying, mainly if the person does not understand what is going on. If any of these symptoms appear in someone who has used marijuana, you need to keep an eye on them and get help ASAP if they do not get better.
Key Differences Between Cannabis-Induced Psychosis and Other Forms of Psychosis
All forms of psychosis share some symptoms, and weed-induced psychosis has to be distinguished from other mental health disorders. Marijuana, specifically, and psychosis particularly, can be easily identified with marijuana use. It may be more nuanced for other chronic conditions like schizophrenia, etc.
Key differences between cannabis induced-psychosis and psychotic disorders:
- Onset. Cannabis-induced psychosis disorder typically emerges almost immediately following marijuana use, while schizophrenia might take a lifetime to manifest.
- Duration. While marijuana psychosis usually appears to resolve within hours to days post-marijuana effect, the other varieties of psychosis often remain for a lot longer and require continued treatment.
- Treatment. Cannabis-induced psychosis usually goes away on the cessation of marijuana use and psychosis treatment, but other psychotic disorders can require longer-term antipsychotics or medication.
How to Identify Early Warning Signs of Psychosis
If it happens early enough, the condition of weed-induced psychosis in you can be caught before you decide to get professional help. Signs to watch for are:
| Increased Paranoia | Feeling like others are plotting against them. |
| Rapid Changes in Mood | Extreme shifts between elation, irritability, or fear. |
| Disconnection From Reality | A sense of detachment from surroundings or people. |
| Difficulty Speaking | Slurred speech or trouble processing thoughts. |
If any of these symptoms are present after using marijuana, you should closely watch over the individual and provide help if required.
How Long Does Marijuana-Induced Psychosis Last?
The Duration of Weed-Induced Psychosis
Another common question that comes up a lot is, how long does marijuana psychosis last? How long weed psychosis lasts can be variable for each individual, the amount smoked, the potency of THC, and an array of mental health circumstances. Typically, most marijuana-induced psychosis episodes vary anywhere from a few hours to several days.
One thing that many people find is that after the marijuana wears off, the psychosis subsides in most people, usually within 24 hours. Nevertheless, some symptoms may be present longer, especially if one suffers from mental illnesses and occasionally has smoked large amounts of weed.
Factors That Affect the Length of Psychotic Episodes
There are various contributing factors to the length of cannabis-induced psychosis, such as:
THC Potency
More THC can mean more potent symptoms that in some cases, will only exacerbate the psychosis and prolong it.
Dosage
The more marijuana you take in larger quantities, the more severe and longer lasting all of your ingested effects.
Mental Health Status
For those with pre-existing mental illnesses like anxiety or depression, symptoms may last longer.
Tolerance
Users of marijuana on a regular basis may have the ability to tolerate its highs and lows, which might impact the run time of a psychotic episode,
Acute Vs. Long-Term Effects of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
Most marijuana psychosis is short-lived and gone when the drug is out of their system, though some people may suffer longer-term side effects. Individuals with a history of episodes of cannabis-induced psychosis or when dual-mental health issues are present, are at risk for what is considered a chronic condition, which includes cannabis-induced psychotic disorder.
Long-term marijuana use may increase the chance of schizophrenia or other psychosis. So, while marijuana-induced psychosis can clear in hours, the chronic nature of use makes it all too easy to ignore what forms when this risk-enhancing activity is repeated again and again.
Risk Factors: Who Is Most Susceptible to Marijuana Psychosis?
Genetic Predisposition and Mental Health Conditions
In the presence of a family history of psychosis or mental health condition, people were likely to develop marijuana-induced psychosis symptoms. For example, people with a family history of conditions such as schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder might be particularly sensitive to cannabinoid-induced psychosis, particularly with heavy use and/or strong strains.
The Role of THC Potency and Consumption Patterns
Marijuana use and its potency may have a significant effect on the likelihood of cannabis-induced psychosis. In general, greater THC concentrations (especially in concentrates or edibles) should be avoided to decrease the risk of psychosis. It is also a fact that people who use the drug often or in higher doses tend to have more mental health issues.
Environmental and Situational Triggers
Environmental factors can also trigger cannabis-induced psychotic disorder. For example, stress or being anxious/depressed can trigger a psychotic episode when using marijuana in general, primarily if it is used with high stress/high anxiety/high depression.
Treatment and Recovery from Marijuana-Induced Psychosis
Immediate Steps to Take if Psychosis Occurs
If you or somebody important is affected by marijuana-induced psychosis symptoms, just stay calm and secure the surroundings. Remove stressors (i.e., no loud noises or bright lights) and provide reassurance. If symptoms do not get better, or if they get worse, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
Medical and Psychological Treatments for Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
For the most part, weed psychosis will resolve itself when the marijuana is out of the system and a doctor may prescribe treatment to both stop this from happening again and any other co-existing issues.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an excellent form of psychotherapy that can help people with psychosis learn why their particular psychological triggers occurred and acquire useful coping mechanisms
Recovery Timelines. What to Expect After Treatment
Most people who suffer from marijuana-induced psychosis resolve in a few days to a week when the effects of marijuana have worn off. In contrast, additional treatment may be necessary for those whose episodes of psychosis are multi-faceted or who are dealing with other mental health disorders.
The Importance of Ongoing Support for Mental Health
Going through recovery, it becomes essential to continue managing your mental health and get support. A routine mental health professional check-in can help keep the episodes from reoccurring and make you healthy.
Prevention: How to Minimize the Risk of Marijuana Psychosis
Responsible Cannabis Use and Dosage Guidelines
If you want to minimize the odds of weed making you psychotic, be careful when consuming marijuana in general. This means limiting the THC, being responsible when it comes to smoking weed, and on the side of caution too when it comes to high-potency stuff.
When to Avoid Marijuana for Mental Health Safety
Individuals with a history of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or psychosis, should avoid marijuana use altogether. Using marijuana may trigger or worsen symptoms, leading to episodes of cannabis-induced psychotic disorder.
The Role of Education and Awareness in Preventing Psychosis
Education is one of the strongest tools to stop marijuana psychosis. Knowing what can go wrong if someone smokes weed, like the dangers of THC and the possibility of getting psychotic, will help people make rational decisions regarding cannabis use.
What to Do If You Experience Marijuana-Induced Psychosis
Seeking Professional Help for Cannabis Psychosis
If you suspect that either you or someone else may be suffering from marijuana-induced psychosis symptoms, professional help needs to be urgent. Professionals can evaluate the situation and offer the correct treatment.
Emergency Steps and Immediate Care
Weed-induced psychosis is scary enough, but if it turns into a full-blown psychotic episode, you may need to seek medical help immediately in the worst cases. The care needed to stabilize the individual and keep them from doing or being harmed is what an emergency can provide.
Talking to a Mental Health Professional About Your Symptoms
Mental health professionals can show how your marijuana-induced psychosis actually works and provide a roadmap to get through recovery in the future.
FAQs
- How Can I Tell if I Have Marijuana-Induced Psychosis?
If you have feelings of hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia after using weed one or more times, it can be evident that it is weed-induced psychosis. Symptoms begin near the time of use and are often connected.
- Can Marijuana-Induced Psychosis Happen After One Use?
Yes, marijuana psychosis can occur after a single use, especially if the marijuana is high in THC or the individual has a predisposition to mental health conditions.
- Is Marijuana-Induced Psychosis Reversible?
In most cases, marijuana-induced psychosis is reversible with treatment and cessation of marijuana use. However, some individuals may experience long-term effects, particularly if they have an underlying mental health condition.
- Can Marijuana-Induced Psychosis Lead to Permanent Mental Health Issues?
Marijuana-induced psychosis can be mostly temporary but may lead to an increased risk of developing a chronic psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, contributing to recurrent episodes of psychosis when marijuana use is continuing and/or other mental health conditions are present. Professional help can help to lower this risk.
- What Should I Do If Someone Is Experiencing Marijuana-Induced Psychosis?
In case of hallucinations, paranoia, or severe confusion right after using marijuana, just be calm and make sure they are safe while you administer medical attention to the person with marijuana. Instructing them to cease the use of marijuana and seek mental help to avoid future illness.
