New research from Canada reveals that cannabis has become significantly stronger over the last two decades, raising health concerns about its long-term effects. Since legalization in 2018, the average THC content in legal cannabis products has increased from around 4% in the early 2000s to over 20% today. THC is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects or “high” from cannabis use.
Dr. Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa explained that this rise in potency likely drives the stronger link between cannabis use and serious mental health problems, including schizophrenia. Higher THC levels, particularly with frequent use, can increase the risk of psychosis, which involves hallucinations and delusions. This risk is even greater for younger people, men, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder.
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A large Ontario study involving nearly ten million people found that those treated in emergency care for cannabis-related issues had a much higher chance of developing schizophrenia-spectrum disorders within a few years, especially if their symptoms involved cannabis-induced psychosis.
Doctors recommend that anyone experiencing cannabis-related mental health symptoms stop using the drug immediately. Treatment may include antipsychotic medication and therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
While cannabis is legal in many places and has medical uses, experts urge caution due to these serious mental health risks linked to increasing potency and regular use. Awareness and early intervention are keys to protecting vulnerable individuals.
