Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis and psychosis
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug. Cannabis is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant and comes in three forms: marijuana, hashish and hashish oil. Cannabis is most commonly taken by mixing it with tobacco and smoking it as a 'joint' or inhaling it through a water-cooled pipe, known as a 'bong'.
Cannabis is a psychoactive drug
Cannabis contains a chemical known as THC for short. THC is a psychoactive substance, meaning that it travels in the bloodstream to the brain. It disrupts usual brain functioning and causes certain intoxicating effects, including:
- A feeling of relaxation and wellbeing
- Loss of inhibition
- Increased talkativeness
- A confused perception of space and time
- Reduced ability to concentrate and remember
- Reduced coordination - this makes it dangerous to drive
or operate machinery while under the influence of the drug
Heavy use may cause hallucinations
Other possible effects, which are more common
with heavy cannabis use, include:
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Anxiety
Drug-induced psychosis
Cannabis use can cause a condition known as drug-induced psychosis. Symptoms usually appear quickly and last a relatively short time (a few days) until the effects of the cannabis wear off. Disorientation, memory problems and visual hallucinations are the most common symptoms.
If you already have a psychotic illness
Cannabis effects last longer.
The effects of cannabis begin within minutes and can last several hours. However, for people with a psychotic illness (such as schizophrenia), the effects can be more long lasting.
Cannabis can precipitate the
first episode of psychosis
If someone has a predisposition to a psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia, use of drugs such as cannabis may trigger the first episode in what can be a lifelong, disabling condition. There is increasing evidence that regular cannabis use precedes and causes higher rates of psychotic illness. Psychotic illnesses are characterised by:
- Delusions - for example the person believes
they have special powers - Hallucinations - for example the person hears voices
or sees things that aren't really there - Thought disorder - for example the person
has difficulty organising their thoughts.
When people experience psychotic symptoms, they are unable to distinguish what is real. They lose contact with reality.
Psychotic symptoms can become worse
Cannabis use generally makes psychotic symptoms worse and lowers the chances of recovery from a psychotic episode. People with a psychotic illness who use drugs experience more delusions, hallucinations and other symptoms. They have a higher rate of hospitalisation for psychosis, and treatment is generally less effective. People with a psychotic illness should avoid using cannabis and look for healthier ways to relax and socialise.
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