This observation underscores the importance of understanding the potency levels of cannabis products and their potential impacts on users’ health and well-being. In further elucidating this point, Volkow emphasizes that individuals who consume cannabis at higher doses are at an elevated risk of experiencing psychotic episodes.
Supporting Volkow’s assertion, a European study published in 2020 sheds light on the adverse effects of high-potency cannabis products.
The study found that compared to lower potency varieties, high-potency cannabis products were associated with a greater risk of hallucinations and delusions.
This research underscores the need for careful consideration of the potency of cannabis products, as it directly impacts users’ risk of experiencing adverse psychological effects.
Moreover, research suggests a concerning link between cannabis-induced psychosis and the development of more severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. This finding raises significant implications, particularly for young adults and teenagers.
Dr. Thurstone, presumably a researcher or expert in the field, underscores the dose-dependent nature of this risk, particularly during adolescence. He emphasizes that prolonged exposure to marijuana, especially during crucial developmental stages, increases the likelihood of developing psychosis, schizophrenia, and other severe mental illnesses.