Cannabis (ganja, charas, bhang) is often seen as harmless. For some young people, especially daily users, it can trigger psychosis.
Stopping early improves the outlook significantly.
Key concepts
- Risk is higher with daily use, high-potency forms and starting young
- Family history of psychosis increases vulnerability
- Continued use after psychosis worsens recovery
Symptoms and signs
- Suspiciousness — feeling watched or talked about
- Hearing voices, strange beliefs
- Withdrawal, poor sleep, falling studies
Causes
- THC effects on dopamine systems in the developing brain
- Genetic vulnerability
- Stress and sleep loss
Risk factors
- Starting before 18
- Charas or other concentrated forms
- Using with other drugs
Evidence-based management
- Stop or cut down cannabis — counselling helps
- Early treatment of psychosis with antipsychotic medicines
- Family education and support
- Treat sleep, anxiety and depression
When to seek professional help
- New suspiciousness or hearing voices — urgent
- Unable to stop daily use
- Aggression or risk to self — emergency
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone who uses cannabis get psychosis?
No, but the risk is clearly higher with frequent, early and high-potency use, and nobody can predict who will be affected.
Will psychosis go away if I stop?
Stopping helps a lot, but many people also need medical treatment for a period.
Medical references
Guidelines and official sources used for this article.
- Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management (CG178). NICE, UK, 2014.
- Schizophrenia — fact sheet. World Health Organization.
- International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders (revised edition). UNODC & World Health Organization, 2020.
- Author
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MD Psychiatry
- Last reviewed
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
Related articles
Related guides
Need personal advice? Book a confidential consultation.