Dirty habit followed by 18 million Americans linked to alarming surge of schizophrenia
The grim findings come from a new report by the Canadian Medical Association Journal which revealed that patients needing hospitalization because of cannabis-related health problems were 14 times more likely to develop schizophrenia within three years.
These symptoms could range from severe psychiatric symptoms such as paranoia or panic attacks to overdosing on THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives users its signature 'high' feeling.
Researchers found that the risk for schizophrenia was a staggering 241 times higher among people needing hospitalization for cannabis-induced psychosis.
This temporary mental health condition triggered by cannabis use causes hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
The report found that the main cause of this major health risk was the significant rise in the levels of THC within cannabis, which has gone from just four percent 20 years ago to 20 percent today.
Dr Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa said: 'Cannabis from the 2000s is not the same as in 2025.'
While schizophrenia itself is not a fatal condition, it can lead to life-threatening situations as these patients have a higher risk of dying by suicide due to severe symptoms such as depression.
The new report from CMAJ pooled the results from five separate studies on cannabis use in Canada.
These studies included data gathered from a large population-based study in Ontario involving 9.8 million people.
That specific dataset helped researchers find the growing connection between cannabis-induced health issues and schizophrenia.
Study authors warned that the higher potency of cannabis today showed a direct link to psychosis risk, especially among younger users, men, and those with a history of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Overall, the report revealed that about 0.47 percent of cannabis users end up experiencing symptoms of psychosis. That's roughly one in every 200 users.
However, up to 76 percent of those who do experience these symptoms for more than 24 hours end up needing emergency care - sending their chances of developing schizophrenia skyrocketing.
Schizophrenia is treated with a combination of antipsychotic medications, therapy, and support.
Antipsychotic drugs, like risperidone and olanzapine can help manage symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions by balancing brain chemicals. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help patients cope with symptoms and improve their daily functioning.
As for regular cannabis users who haven't developed mental health problems, study authors said there is one definitive way to reduce their risk: stop using cannabis.
Moreover, the report warned that continuing to use cannabis after an initial episode of psychosis led to an increased risk that the symptoms would return.
Using cannabis, especially high-potency products with more than 20 percent THC, can cause some people to experience severe nausea and vomiting.
Rapid heart rate, chest pains that mimic a heart attack, or fainting can also occur and require an urgent trip to the hospital.
Overdosing on THC, particularly from consuming edibles or using vapes, can lead to extreme confusion, agitation, or a loss of coordination, all of which can increase the risk of a serious accident.
Among users with pre-existing mental health conditions, cannabis-related health problems can include worsening symptoms of anxiety or depression, such as severe mood swings or suicidal thoughts.
Cannabis' status in the US has been complex for years, with recreational use legal in 24 states and Washington DC, and medical use allowed in 38 states as of 2025.
However, it remains a Schedule I drug federally, classified as highly dangerous with no accepted medical use.
The Biden administration proposed moving cannabis to Schedule III in May 2024, recognizing its potential as a medical treatment, but a January 2025 hearing was canceled, leaving the decision to the Trump administration.
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