Introduction: A normalising of cannabis among young adults
Like many middle-class London teens, the author began smoking cannabis at 15, drawn by the idea of a natural, safe buzz and the social perks of drug-using circles. Cannabis was increasingly seen as a harmless rite of passage rather than a potential risk, especially when compared with alcohol. The transition from occasional party use to daily consumption happened quickly, and the drug’s perceived safety masked the danger signs that would emerge later.
From casual use to a dependence that reshaped life
By the time she arrived at Oxford, cannabis use had become a daily habit. The drug not only served as a social lubricant but also as a shortcut to friendship and belonging. This sense of community, however, was built in a space that felt seedy and isolating at the same time: a grubby flat, junk food binges, and evenings spent with people who were “off their faces.” The author reflects on how easy it is to mistake comfort for safety when the environment feels temporary and impersonal.
The turning point: Cannabis and mental health symptoms emerge
As academic pressure mounted, the individual found herself increasingly overwhelmed. The long nights of social smoking gave way to unsettling thoughts and panic attacks. A growing fear that she might hurt someone became a defining symptom, intensifying the sense that something was terribly wrong. Panic episodes where the room seemed to tilt and the heart rate quickened were followed by a crippling conviction that danger lurked nearby. These experiences illustrate how cannabis can interact with stress and sleep disruption to amplify anxiety and perceptual disturbances.
A crisis averted, a cautionary tale
The night of terror—believing she had killed her partner—and the call to Samaritans marked a turning point. It prompted her to seek help from tutors and to step back from the pressures of student life. The episode did not resolve overnight; it required time, space, and honest reflection about the role cannabis had played in her life. Although she ultimately stepped away from cannabis, the memory of those months has lingered, fueling a more cautious view of drug use and its potential mental health consequences.
Cannabis psychosis and real-world consequences
The story extends beyond personal danger. A close peer, once part of the same social circle, later committed a violent crime in which cannabis use was identified as a significant factor. This connection to a later schizophrenia diagnosis underscores a critical lesson: cannabis is not universally safe, especially for youths whose brains are still developing. The account resonates with growing concerns about cannabis-induced psychosis and the long-term impact of early exposure to high-potency strains.
Lessons learned: Informing young people and policymakers
This narrative supports calls for clearer education about cannabis risks, particularly for adolescents and emerging adults. It challenges the notion that cannabis is harmless and highlights the importance of early prevention, recognizing signs of distress, and seeking help before problems escalate. The author explicitly aligns with campaigns urging candid conversations about the drug’s real effects and encourages government and educators to counter misinformation and the glamorisation of cannabis use.
Moving forward: Recovery, reflection, and resilience
Although the author has not used cannabis since, intrusive thoughts can persist, reminding readers that the impact of drug use can outlive the experience itself. The story ends with a message of resilience and a call to equip young people with accurate information so they can make safer choices about cannabis, mental health, and peer pressure.
