Psychosis and Cannabis

From the Australian Drug Foundation

In general, there appears to be three separate circumstances whereby cannabis and psychosis are linked.

• It is believed that cannabis use - especially if heavy and regular - may be linked to a condition known as a drug-induced psychosis or cannabis psychosis. This can last up to a few days. The episodes are often characterised by hallucinations, delusions, memory loss and confusion.



• Cannabis use may also precipitate a latent psychosis. In other words, it could bring forward an episode of schizophrenia or manic depressive psychosis in a vulnerable or pre-disposed individual.



• It is possible that cannabis use can trigger psychotic episodes in a person who already has a mental illness