The Hidden Mental Health Danger in Today’s High-THC Cannabis

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by ScienceDaily.

THC levels in cannabis have soared in recent years, raising the risk of psychosis—especially in young, frequent users. Studies reveal a strong connection between cannabis-induced psychosis and schizophrenia, making early cessation and treatment essential.

“Cannabis from the 2000s is not the same as in 2025,” said coauthor Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, MD, resident and researcher with the Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario. “THC content has increased by 5 times. This is likely a significant driver in the increasing link between cannabis use and schizophrenia.”

The recent study found that over the last 20 years in Canada, THC levels have risen from about 4% to 20% in most legal dried cannabis. Researchers found:

High-potency and regular cannabis use is linked to increased risk of psychosis. The risk of psychosis is increased in people using high-potency THC (more than 10% THC), people using it frequently, and those who are younger and male. A history of mental disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.) also appears to increase the risk.

Cannabis-induced psychosis and cannabis use disorder increase the risk of schizophrenia. A recent study of 9.8 million people in Ontario found a 14.3-fold higher risk of developing a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder in people visiting the emergency department for cannabis use and a 241.6-fold higher risk from visits for cannabis-induced psychosis.

Source: ScienceDaily
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104237.htm