From a desperate night to a path toward help
Two years after a gripping and dangerous moment on a south London roof, Isiah’s story underscores a rising concern: cannabis can trigger severe psychosis in some users. On that November night in 2023, he felt certain he was God, a delusion that propelled him toward a perilous edge. His experience is not unique, but it is increasingly within reach of the spotlight as clinics work to intervene early and consistently for people like him.
Cannabis has long been associated with giggles and chilled evenings, but it can also unmask underlying vulnerabilities. For some individuals, especially first-time users or those who consume high-potency products, the risk of acute psychosis rises. Mental health professionals increasingly recognize that cannabis-induced psychosis is not simply “being paranoid for a night”; for many, it can herald a longer journey through fear, confusion, and distressing beliefs.
What happens in cannabis-induced psychosis
Clinicians describe a spectrum of symptoms that can appear within hours of use or after days of heavy consumption. People may experience extreme paranoia, frightening delusions, perceptual distortions, and disorganized thinking. Sleep often becomes irregular or impossible, which can amplify anxiety and confusion. In some cases, these episodes subside within 24 to 72 hours, but for others, the episode signals an emerging mental health challenge requiring medical attention and support.
Isiah’s account highlights the visceral fear that can accompany these experiences: a sense of power and sovereignty that flips into fear, despair, and thoughts of self-harm. In medical terms, the psychosis may be a direct pharmacological reaction to cannabinoids or an interaction with an underlying mood or psychotic disorder that cannabis unmasks.
The clinic model: early intervention, compassionate care
Specialized clinics across the country are adapting to these cases with multidisciplinary teams: psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, peer support workers, and nurse practitioners. The goal is twofold: ensure immediate safety and begin a recovery plan that addresses both acute symptoms and longer-term mental health needs.
Key elements include careful assessment to distinguish cannabis-induced psychosis from other psychiatric conditions, evidence-based treatment for symptoms, and a stepped approach to care that can involve short hospital observation, intensive outpatient programs, and longer-term psychotherapy. Importantly, clinics emphasize education about cannabis potency, the risks of mixed use (with alcohol or other drugs), and strategies to reduce relapse risk as people re-enter daily life.
Real people, real outcomes
For patients, the path to stability often starts with a safe space to talk openly about what they experienced. Clinicians listen for triggers—recent stress, sleep disruption, or increased cannabis use—and tailor plans accordingly. Some participants pursue motivational interviewing to foster readiness for change, while others engage in family therapy to rebuild support networks. Medication, when appropriate, is considered alongside non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices.
Evidence from clinics shows that with timely intervention, many patients recover to a level where they can manage symptoms, return to work or study, and rebuild daily structure. Yet the journey is not linear. Relapse can occur, especially in environments where cannabis is readily accessible or where individuals return to high-potency products too quickly. Clinics respond by offering ongoing check-ins, relapse-prevention planning, and peer-led groups that provide practical coping strategies and a sense of community.
What families and communities can do
Community awareness is essential. Education about the risks associated with cannabis, especially for young people and those with prior mental health concerns, can reduce harm. Families can support by encouraging medical consultation after a concerning episode, helping navigate appointments, and avoiding stigma that might deter someone from seeking help. Community clinics also play a role by providing accessible services, translating clinical language into practical guidance, and linking patients with social supports such as housing, employment aid, and education resources.
Looking ahead: a cautious but hopeful path
The growing number of people seeking help for cannabis-induced psychosis has pushed health systems to innovate. The aim is clear: prevent tragedy, normalize treatment, and empower individuals to reclaim their lives. Isiah’s experience—once a perilous moment on a rooftop—can become a turning point through timely, compassionate clinical care and community support. As research advances and clinical practices expand, more people may find relief and a roadmap back to stability.
