By We Level Up | Author Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Psychosis is a severe mental condition where you lose touch with reality. It can cause hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, research suggests that marijuana use may be a potential trigger for psychosis in some people.

It’s important to note that not everyone who uses marijuana will develop psychosis. Other risk factors like age of first use, frequency and amount consumed, and co-occurring mental health issues also play a role. But, understanding the potential risks can help you make informed choices about your health and well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Heavy marijuana use can trigger psychotic episodes, especially for people with a predisposition or with pre-existing mental health conditions.
• Psychosis typically resolves within a few hours to a few days as the effects of cannabis wear off. Regular, heavy use may experience psychosis for longer.
• Risk factors for marijuana-induced psychosis include early age of first use, high frequency and quantity consumed, use of high-potency products, and co-occurring mental health issues.
• Treatment may include antipsychotic medications and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Symptoms of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Cannabis-induced psychosis can cause a number of symptoms that lead you to become disconnected from reality. You may experience visual or auditory hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that aren’t actually there. Paranoid (persecutory) delusions and disorganized speech are possible as well.

Intense anxiety and panic can accompany these symptoms. You may feel detached from yourself or your surroundings, leading to a sense of depersonalization or derealization. Other signs include confusion, disorientation, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things. 

Lastly, your emotions may fluctuate rapidly, ranging from extreme fear to euphoria quickly. Sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and social withdrawal are also possible.

How Long Does Psychosis from Marijuana Last?

How long cannabis-induced psychosis lasts depends on several factors. In most cases, psychotic symptoms improve once the effects of cannabis wear off. This is usually within a few hours to a few days. But THC can sometimes last much longer in your body, prolonging the psychosis.

For infrequent users, psychosis typically resolves soon after marijuana use stops. But for regular, heavy users, psychotic symptoms may persist for several days or even weeks after stopping marijuana use. In some cases, especially with high-potency cannabis or synthetic cannabinoids, psychosis can last longer.

Antipsychotic medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help you develop coping strategies and prevent future episodes.

Recovery time varies for each person. With proper treatment and abstinence from marijuana, most people fully recover from drug-induced psychosis.

It’s very important to seek professional help if you experience marijuana-induced psychosis. While it typically improves on its own, chronic marijuana use can increase your risk for other mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. And many people also develop cannabis use disorder (marijuana addiction) after using marijuana regularly.

Weed Addiction Statistics

Marijuana, also called weed, is a substance obtained from the cannabis plant for THC-induced effects. Weed is the most widely used illegal substance in the US, according to the National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA).

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The Relationship Between Alcohol and Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

Alcohol and cannabis can independently trigger psychotic symptoms. When used together, the risk of experiencing psychosis increases. Alcohol consumption can exacerbate the psychoactive effects of THC, the main compound in marijuana.

Alcohol disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. It can intensify the disorienting and mind-altering effects of cannabis. The sedative properties of alcohol may also make it harder to recognize and manage psychotic symptoms. Heavy use of both substances can result in a dangerous spiral of mental health issues.

People with a history of alcohol abuse or dependence are also more susceptible to cannabis-induced psychosis. Chronic alcohol use can damage the brain, making it more vulnerable to the psychoactive effect of marijuana. Those who struggle with alcoholism may turn to cannabis as a coping mechanism, inadvertently increasing their risk of psychosis.

Treatment for co-occurring alcohol and cannabis-induced psychosis requires a comprehensive approach. Recovery is possible with professional help, including medical detoxification from both substances.

Contact us today if you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis or alcohol use.

Marijuana Use and Panic Attacks

Marijuana use also increases the risk of panic attacks. A panic attack is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of fear and discomfort. Symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, can overstimulate the amygdala. This brain region plays a key role in processing fear and anxiety. High doses of THC may cause the amygdala to overreact, leading to panic. Your risk increases if you have a history of anxiety disorders or panic attacks.

If you experience a marijuana-induced panic attack, find a safe, comfortable space to relax. Practice slow, deep breathing exercises to manage anxiety symptoms. Remind yourself that the feelings will pass as the drug’s effects wear off. 

Another good exercise is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique: Name 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. This exercise is a mindfulness technique that helps bring you back into the present moment.

Marijuana Use and Depersonalization

Marijuana can also cause a psychotic symptom called depersonalization. With depersonalization, you feel detached from your thoughts, body, and sensations. It’s an unsettling experience that can make you question your identity and reality.

Depersonalization often happens with derealization. With derealization, you feel detached from your surroundings. In fact, your surroundings may not even feel real, and you may feel like you are living in a movie or play. 

Like with other marijuana-induced psychotic symptoms, depersonalization usually gets better as marijuana’s effects wear off. But marijuana affects everyone differently. Some people are more susceptible to depersonalization. Factors like genetics, mental health, and frequency of use play a role. Be mindful of your reactions.

Weed Psychosis Stories

It is common to hear stories of individuals experiencing psychosis due to using marijuana. These stories often highlight the potentially harmful effects of marijuana on mental health and the importance of being aware of the risks associated with its use.

One such story is that of a young man who began using marijuana in his teenage years and gradually became increasingly reliant on the drug. Over time, he began to experience symptoms of paranoia and delusions, which eventually progressed to a full-blown psychotic episode. He was hospitalized and treated for psychosis, but it took months of therapy and support to help him fully recover.

Another story is that of a woman who had been using marijuana recreationally for years without issues. However, after a particularly intense experience with a high-potency strain, she began to experience symptoms of depersonalization and disorientation. This eventually led to psychosis, characterized by hallucinations and delusions, which required hospitalization and ongoing treatment.

These stories serve as a reminder that while marijuana can have a range of effects on different individuals, it can also have serious consequences for some. It is important to approach marijuana use with caution and to be aware of the potential risks and consequences associated with its use. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of weed-induced psychosis, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Weed Psychosis Recovery

Recovery from weed-induced psychosis can be challenging but possible with the right treatment and support.

The first step in recovery is typically to seek professional help, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist specializing in treating psychosis and related mental health conditions.

Treatment for weed psychosis may involve a combination of medication, therapy, and support. Antipsychotic medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, while therapy can help individuals better understand and cope with their symptoms.

Support from loved ones, such as family members or support groups, can also be important in recovery.

In addition to professional treatment and support, it may be necessary to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of relapse. This may include quitting or reducing marijuana use, avoiding other substances exacerbating psychosis symptoms, and focusing on healthy habits such as exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management.

Recovery from weed-induced psychosis is a process that takes time and effort. Still, with the right treatment and support, individuals can regain control over their lives and achieve long-term stability. It is important to approach recovery with patience, perseverance, and a commitment to self-care and overall wellness.

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

Accepting that you may be living with a mental illness can be challenging. However, treating the presenting substance abuse case can be magnitudes easier once properly diagnosed and treated. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about marijuana-induced psychosis. Learn more about this serious mental health condition and how to recognize the signs.

Weed Psychosis & Weed Addiction Informative Video

Edibles are cannabis-infused food products, such as candies, baked goods, salad dressings, beef jerky, and more. They offer a gentler and longer-lasting high that can persist for several hours. These days, almost any food or beverage can be infused with edibles, CBD, or cannabis, providing a range of delicious and innovative treats.

Compared to other methods of THC administration, such as smoking or vaping, edibles offer a powerful and prolonged effect after consumption, making them a popular choice among users. However, the effects of edibles can be influenced by several factors, including the product’s active ingredients, such as a high dose or concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can have an immediate impact.

Typically, edibles take around 30 to 60 minutes to take effect, but this may vary depending on the specific product.