Cannabis use has long been associated with mental health risks, particularly psychotic disorders. New research by King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) sheds light on this association, offering key insights into how stopping cannabis can gradually reduce the risk of psychosis. Published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, the study answers a pivotal question – does the risk of psychotic disorders lessen after cannabis cessation?

The simple answer is yes, but with certain nuances. The study revealed that, for individuals who stop using cannabis, their risk of developing psychotic disorders steadily declines, eventually aligning with the risk levels of those who have never used the drug. This timeline of recovery, however, depends on various factors, including the frequency and potency of cannabis use.

How Long Does It Take for Psychosis Risk to Decline?

The study involved data from the EU-GEI case-control study, which examined first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients alongside participants without psychosis across Europe and South America. Seven dimensions of cannabis use were studied, including how long participants had been abstinent.

Findings revealed that the risk of psychosis becomes equivalent to non-users after approximately 37 weeks of cannabis abstinence. However, those who recently stopped (within one to four weeks) exhibited a nearly seven-fold increased risk of psychosis, potentially due to withdrawal symptoms. By five to 12 weeks, this risk lessened to three times that of non-users. These results highlight that the longer the cessation period, the more significant the decline in psychosis risk.

For frequent users or those who consumed high-potency strains, the study found that the risk might remain elevated even after prolonged abstinence, lasting beyond 181 weeks in some cases. This underscores the cumulative effects of heavy and potent cannabis use, which can linger and complicate mental health recovery.

The Risks Cannot Be Ignored

Cannabis continues to gain legal acceptance in various parts of the world, with many incorrectly viewing it as “harmless” compared to other substances. However, studies like this prove that cannabis use is far from consequence-free. Regular and heavy users of high-potency strains are particularly susceptible to long-term mental health risks, even if they quit later in life. The potential for cannabis to trigger psychotic disorders is especially concerning, as these conditions not only affect the individual but also their families and communities.

As highlighted in a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, “Abrupt cannabis withdrawal may act as a trigger for the first episode of psychosis and a relapse of an existing psychosis. Acute psychotic symptoms can emerge after the cessation, as well as following the use, of cannabis”. This underscores the complex relationship between cannabis use, withdrawal, and mental health outcomes.

Supporting Those Who Wish to Quit

The study also highlights that quitting cannabis might initially aggravate symptoms of withdrawal, potentially inducing anxiety, sleep disruption, or even triggering psychotic episodes. This finding emphasises the importance of a robust support network for those seeking to stop cannabis use. Such support can come in the form of mental health counselling, community involvement, and peer support, which together help individuals commit to their decision and avoid relapsing into use.

Further evidence from Acta Neuropsychiatrica states, “Cannabis withdrawal can induce psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals. This study raises awareness for public health given the increasing cannabis use legalisation trends”. This highlights the need for careful monitoring and support during the cessation process, especially for those at higher risk of mental health complications.

A Serious Choice for Mental Health Stability

The message is clear. This research is not just about the individuals included in the study. It speaks to a broader point about the deep-rooted dangers of cannabis use and its potential to harm mental health. The connectedness between cannabis use and psychosis spells out one critical takeaway – the need to avoid starting in the first place.

For those who have used, the research provides hope. Quitting cannabis can successfully reduce the likelihood of developing psychosis, but the best outcomes come with cessation as soon as possible. Abstinence offers a brighter future, one where the shadow cast by cannabis-related mental health risks can gradually recede.

Source: Sage Journals , KCL