Scientists are issuing new health warnings amidst concerns about the growing strength of cannabis today. According to a new Canadian study, levels of THC have increased significantly in cannabis markets. THC is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the ‘high’, psychedelic feeling. In the early 2000s, THC levels in cannabis were at an average of about 4%.
Currently, the majority of products in Canada have THC levels exceeding 20%. As Dr. Nicholas Fabiano explained, “Cannabis from the 2000s is not the same as in 2025. THC content has increased by 5 times.” He warned that as THC levels rise in cannabis, the chances of developing psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia may also rise.
The Global Legalization Debate
Shifting global attitudes and changing laws have made cannabis more accessible in many countries. Access has grown especially in Europe, North America, and Canada. Canada legalized both recreational and medical use of cannabis in 2018. However, in the United States, the laws surrounding cannabis remain complex.
Federal law still categorizes cannabis as a Schedule I drug, placing it alongside drugs like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. However, President Donald Trump has recently considered moving it to Schedule III, a less restrictive status. Cannabis would remain illegal, but it would be considered only moderately or slightly addictive, both physically and mentally.
Still, many experts warn that increasing cannabis strength complicates legalization. As the National Institute on Drug Abuse notes, about 30% of users develop cannabis use disorder at some point. Laws may not fully reflect the risks that higher potency cannabis presents.
Rising Potency and Mental Health
High-potency THC cannabis today is chemically far different and potentially more harmful than its predecessors. Researchers link regular use of high-THC level cannabis to elevated risks of depression, anxiety, and long-term cognitive issues. Young people are most at risk since their brains continue developing until about age 25.
The American Psychiatric Association reports that high-potency cannabis may accelerate memory loss, anxiety, and psychosis. High-potency THC cannabis now raises the same alarm once raised about heavy drinking or opioid use. Stronger cannabis might compound these risks, potentially increasing the likelihood of disorders that were less common when cannabis was milder.
Psychosis and Cannabis Use
One of the most significant and immediate dangers of high-potency cannabis is psychosis. This condition involves losing touch with reality through hallucinations, delusions, or severe paranoia. The study finds that regular use of high-THC cannabis raises the risk of psychosis with symptoms including hallucinations and delusions.
The Lancet Psychiatry journal found that daily use of high-strength cannabis increases the risk of psychotic episodes fivefold. Those already vulnerable, such as men under 25 or people with bipolar disorder, face the highest likelihood of psychotic breaks. These events severely disrupt work, study, and relationships.
Schizophrenia Connections
While most cannabis-related psychosis resolves with correct therapies and interventions, repeated episodes may pave the way to schizophrenia. In Ontario, a study involving 9.8 million people revealed a significant link between cannabis consumption and schizophrenia. People hospitalized for cannabis use faced a 14 times greater risk of developing schizophrenia within 3 years than others.
Cases involving treating cannabis-induced psychosis were even more alarming. Individuals who were being treated for cannabis-induced psychosis showed 240 times higher risk of developing schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. A Danish study published in Psychological Medicine estimated that banning high-strength cannabis might prevent about 1 in 4 cases of schizophrenia in young men.
Treatment Paths for Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
The primary step to treating cannabis-induced psychosis is to stop using cannabis completely. While this is a simple and effective treatment strategy, for frequent users, it may prove difficult. The Canadian study stresses abstinence as the most effective method of recovery. Doctors often prescribe antipsychotic medications like risperidone or olanzapine for more severe symptoms.
According to the UK’s National Health Service, hospitalization may be necessary if symptoms are severe or pose immediate risks. Gradual reduction or termination of medications is possible once patients’ symptoms stabilize.
Therapy and Long-Term Recovery
Therapy can provide individuals with the support they need to manage cravings and build healthier habits. Motivational interviewing guides patients toward recognizing personal reasons to quit, while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify and avoid triggers. The American Psychological Association confirms that these approaches deliver success rates far higher than trying to quit unaided, especially for long-term users.
Balancing Public Health and Policy
Despite mental health concerns about strong cannabis, President Trump has suggested moving it to Schedule III drug status. As of 2025, 24 U.S. states allow recreational use, and most others permit medical use. Canada maintains full legalization, but political leaders debate potency caps to limit THC strength. Quebec, for example, restricts products to 30% THC levels. Public health experts warn that without targeted education, users may underestimate new risks.
Conclusion
It is clearly evident that THC levels of cannabis today are significantly higher than the levels observed 2 decades ago. Higher THC levels increase the risks of psychosis, schizophrenia, and long-term mental health consequences. While legalization spreads and social norms shift, experts urge caution and stricter awareness of cannabis and its THC levels. Individuals who continue to consume cannabis should be made aware of the risks of high-potency THC cannabis.
Read More: Research Suggests Both Smoking Weed and Consuming Cannabis Gummies May Pose Health Dangers