Association of Cannabis Use and Psychosis Among Adolescents and Young Adults

Authors

Michelle Beaman, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Psychiatry

Advisor

Dr. Debra Munsell DHSc, PA-C

Abstract

As cannabis legalization expands, concerns have intensified regarding its accessibility to youth and its potential impact on mental health. This essay explores the link between early cannabis use in adolescents and young adults and the onset of psychosis, drawing from a comprehensive review of 15 peer-reviewed studies published within the past five years. These include epidemiological research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses sourced from PubMed. Selected studies focused on human subjects and examined cannabis use patterns (eg, lifetime, frequency, high-potency) in relation to psychosis-related outcomes (eg, first-episode psychosis, schizophrenia spectrum disorders). Inclusion criteria required adolescent or young adult populations, validated diagnostic tools, and data on neurobiological mechanisms or risk factors such as genetic predisposition and environmental stressors. Findings indicate that individuals at elevated risk for psychosis who use cannabis are up to five times more likely to exhibit symptoms. Neurobiological evidence suggests that cannabis may disrupt dopamine regulation and brain maturation. Blest-Hopley et al. highlight adolescence as a critical neurodevelopmental window, during which cannabis use may alter dopamine and glutamate pathways implicated in psychosis. The review also contextualizes cannabis legalization within emerging psychosis research. While a strong association between cannabis use and psychosis is evident, causality remains multifactorial. Future research should emphasize longitudinal studies stratified by cannabis potency and individual risk factors. This essay advocates for enhanced public health education, preventive strategies, and policy reform to mitigate risks and support mental health in adolescents and young adults.

Recommended Citation

Beaman M. Association of Cannabis Use and Psychosis Among Adolescents and Young Adults. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2025; 7(3).