Marijuana psychosis, also known as cannabis-induced psychosis, refers to a condition where the use of marijuana (cannabis) triggers psychotic symptoms or a psychotic episode in an individual. Psychotic symptoms involve loss of touch with reality and can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired perception.
While marijuana is generally considered to be a relatively safe drug compared to substances like alcohol or opioids, it does have the potential to cause adverse effects, particularly in susceptible individuals. The exact mechanisms by which marijuana can induce psychosis are not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the interaction between the active compounds in marijuana, such as THC (delta-9-tetrahyocannabinol), and the brain’s neurotransmitter systems.
Research suggests that individuals who have a person or family history of mental health disorders, particularly psychosis-related disorders like schizophrenia, are at a higher risk of experiencing marijuana-induced psychosis. Additionally, heavy and frequent use of high-potency marijuana or the use of marijuana at a young age may also increase the risk.
Not everyone who uses marijuana will develop psychosis. The majority of marijuana users do not experience psychotic symptoms. However, for those individuals who are susceptible, marijuana can act as a trigger for psychosis or exacerbate existing psychotic symptoms.
If someone experiences symptoms of marijuana psychosis or any other form of drug-induced psychosis, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Treatment typically involves discontinuing marijuana use and providing appropriate medical care and support. In some cases, antipsychotic medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
Prevention is key in mitigating the risk of marijuana-induced psychosis. It is advisable for individuals with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders to avoid or minimize marijuana use. Additionally, using marijuana in moderation and opting for strains with lower THC content may help reduce the risk of adverse psychological effects.
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Sean Leonard is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his master’s degree in adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner from Walden University and a second postmaster specialty in psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner from Rocky Mountain University. Sean has experience working in various diverse settings, including an outpatient clinic, inpatient detox and rehab, psychiatric emergency, and dual diagnosis programs. His specialty areas include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.
Sean Leonard works primarily with adult populations but has been trained across the lifespan, from children/adolescents to geriatric. He offers medication management, crisis management, and psychotherapy with extensive experience in anxiety/OCD, depression, mood disorders, attention deficit disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He believes that “everyone can benefit from therapy and that many may find great benefit from medicine. Therapy is cornerstone to my practice, medicine or not.”
Dr. Andrea M. Wagner, Psy.D., is the backbone of Redeemed Mental Health. With a wealth of experience across various settings, Dr. Wagner brings a unique perspective to mental health treatment. She is passionate about making complex therapeutic issues easily understandable and provides a roadmap to mental well-being that is tailored to each individual’s unique journey.
Dr. Wagner strives to provide an easily understandable approach to difficult and complex therapeutic issues. She will translate complicated concepts related to mental health concerns into basic and simplistic strategies aimed to achieve the results you desire based on your individual needs.
She currently practices at Department of State Hospitals (California in-patient forensic psychiatric hospital) as an active member on multiple committees. She earned a Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has experience in various settings including the United States Army, UCI Medical Center (Partial Hospitalization Program; Adolescent), Juvenile Recovery Court (Substance and Behavioral Treatment), and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. She specializes in a broad range of psychiatric arenas in evaluations and treatment of multiple major mental illnesses.
Dr. Wagner specializes in treating adults struggling with the more severe ramifications their major mental health issue causes in their daily lives. She has extensive experience in psychological assessment to include personality, intelligence, developmental, and assessment of learning disabilities. She has the ability to treat an array of mental health issues ranging from Schizophrenia to codependency and coaching through life difficulties. She has specialty with psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and mood disorders.
Kaylee brings a gentle approach to Redeemed Mental Health. She incorporates kindness and a soft approach to those suffering in the grips of mental illness. She acknowledges that, for most people, they are coping in the most difficult period of their lives and should be treated with respect.
Kaylee Crafton earned a Master’s degree in social work from University of Southern California. She achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University where she trained with social, emotional needs, and justice involved clients.
As the Director of Admissions and Marketing for Redeemed Mental Health, she oversees social media content and marketing strategies to provide a seamless experience for clients and their families from visibility to initial communications.
Lee Breitenbach is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys providing interventions in a warm, relatable manner to others. He will breakdown the goals of therapy through education while building rapport and engaging individuals in the present moment.
He currently practices at the Department of State Hospitals as the program assistant to the Trauma Informed Care (TIC) program. He is heavily involved in culturally based committees/workgroups, program development, intervention implementation, and trauma research. He attended California State University, Fullerton to earn a BA in Psychology followed by a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. He individually possesses over 20 years of experience practicing in the field of mental health. His skills range from his experience providing therapy in Group home settings, substance abuse programs, trauma groups for Veteran’s Affairs, Long Beach, hospice settings, and currently in-patient mental health care. He specializes in trauma recovery and group dynamics.
Dr. Habermehl (“Dr. Dee”) earned her medical degree at New York University. She then completed an internship at Brown University, followed by a residency at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California. She also earned her MBA with a Healthcare Focus at Yale University School of Management.
Dr. Habermehl is a specialist in Addiction Medicine and is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Gynecology and Obstetrics. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine as well as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
