Know the link between cannabis and psychosis
Cannabis might seem harmless, but for some people — especially young people — it carries a real risk of triggering psychosis. Knowing the link can protect you and the people you care about.
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is when someone loses touch with reality. It can feel overwhelming and frightening — and it's not just a bad trip. It's a real mental health condition that can last weeks, months or longer if left untreated.
The good news: Psychosis is treatable. Early intervention makes a significant difference in recovery outcomes.
Hallucinations
Seeing, hearing or sensing things that aren't really there.
Delusions
Believing things that aren't true or real.
Confused thinking
Your thoughts feel scrambled and hard to organize.
How cannabis is connected
Using cannabis can raise your chances of developing psychosis. Here's what the research shows.
Your brain is still developing
The brain continues developing until around age 25. Cannabis can interfere with that process at a critical time.
Higher THC, higher risk
Today's cannabis is often much stronger than it used to be. Higher THC levels increase the risk of psychosis.
More use means more risk
The risk grows with frequency of use, especially if you use daily or started using at a young age.
Some people are more vulnerable
A family history of mental illness, or personal experience with anxiety, depression or trauma, increases your risk.
Lower your risk
Not everyone is ready or able to stop using cannabis. Here are practical ways to reduce the risk to your mental health.
- Avoiding cannabis is the safest choice. If you're not using yet, this is the most effective way to eliminate the risk.
- If you do use, cut back on how much and how often. Reducing frequency, especially daily use, lowers your risk significantly.
- Know what you're using. Learn to read a cannabis product label and understand the THC level and potency before using.
- Follow lower-risk guidance. Niagara Region Public Health's substance use resources include practical harm reduction guidance.
- Find other ways to manage stress. Many people use cannabis to cope with stress, anxiety or a mental health condition. Talk to a health provider about safer alternatives.
Hear from others
Real stories from people who have experienced cannabis-related psychosis — and the professionals who help.
Ethan Andrew: cannabis-induced psychosis survivor
Lived experience
Ethan shares his personal experience with cannabis-induced psychosis and what recovery looked like for him.
A parent and caregiver's experience
Family
A parent shares what it's like to support a family member through psychosis — and what helped most.
Living through it: a personal story
Lived experience
Another first-hand account of experiencing psychosis and navigating the path to recovery.
The Early Psychosis Intervention Program
Clinical
Learn how the Early Psychosis Intervention Program works, what it offers, and how it supports people in their first episode of psychosis.
Get help
Whether you're in crisis or just not sure where to start, there's support available right now.
In immediate danger
Crisis support
If your safety or someone else's safety is at risk, call emergency services right away.
Call 911
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
24/7 crisis line
A safe space to talk, any time of day or night. Call or text for free.
Call or text 988
Not sure where to start?
The Access Line connects you with the right mental health and addiction services in Niagara. No referral needed.
Early Psychosis Intervention Program
Niagara Region's Early Psychosis Intervention Program provides assessment, treatment and support for people experiencing their first episode of psychosis. A free education group is also available for family members and caregivers.
You may be eligible if you're:
- Between 14 and 35 years of age
- Experiencing symptoms of psychosis, or have been diagnosed with a first episode of psychosis