Physiological cause of cannabis-induced psychosis?

Question

Does anybody know of any research done in this area? Wikipedia lists cannabis as one of the known potential psychosis-inducing substances, but it doesn't elaborate. Has a physiological cause been discovered? And how common is this in the first place? Could psychosis be an indicator of adverse health effects beyond those of normal marijuana use?

Note: I'm not asking because I'm interested in trying weed; I'm asking because I already have used it numerous times and repeatedly got highly abnormal hallucinogenic and delusional effects characteristic of psychosis. Mostly I'm just worried about my health (especially my neurological health). Could I be in danger from further use?

Answer 1

I have had marijuana induced panic attacks, and usually do depending on my environment, but I think that is because of my anxiety. Everyone has different reactions to weed, it's just you and your brain, I wouldn't think too much of it because it's a drug induced state.

Answer 2

You have to understand the definition of psychosis (translation: abnormal mind condition, or the blanket medical definition: condition where any degree of disassociation with reality) before really divulging into THC induced psychosis.



I don't know if there is any research into whether or not THC causes the user to experience a "high" or not, but I am sure the millions of users world wide will attest that it does. Physiologically speaking THC when ingested, in any form, starts to effect CB1 and CB2 receptors causing all the renowned effects of marijuana. Again, I don't know anyone who doesn't get a high when THC is taken in.



If the term psychosis is used as a negative term meaning an adverse disassociation with reality, there are some studies that suggest marijuana use is linked to early onset mental conditions. However, there are also studies that link nicotine, alcohol and prescription drugs to early onset of mental conditions.



If you are having delusions or hallucinations you should seek medical attention. I would venture to say that there is a great chance that marijuana is not causing you any harm.



EDIT: You should really consult a professional face to face if you are having the symptoms you are describing. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

To my knowledge, there are NO documented cases of "cannabis-induced psychosis", which may be why you're having difficulty researching it.