Cannabis Use Disorder and Mental Health: What a Recent Study Reveals
A 2023 cohort study published in JAMA Psychiatry explored the association between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and the risk of developing serious mental health conditions, including psychotic and nonpsychotic bipolar disorder and unipolar depression.
This adds critical evidence to what many in clinical care have observed firsthand: cannabis use—especially when persistent or heavy—can significantly increase the risk of developing serious psychiatric disorders. These include both psychotic and nonpsychotic forms of bipolar disorder, as well as unipolar depression.
This research underscores what we see every day at Pace Recovery Center: the connection between cannabis use disorder and mental health is real, urgent, and deeply complex.
Key Findings From the Study
- Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of bipolar disorder and depression, including both psychotic and nonpsychotic variants.
- The relationship appears to be dose-dependent—meaning the frequency, quantity, and duration of use matters.
- There is a need for better awareness of how cannabis affects brain function, cognition, and long-term behavior.
- Transition from cannabis use disorder to psychiatric illness may follow identifiable risk factors.
- Cannabis cessation could play a critical role in reducing psychiatric risk over time.
What This Means for Treatment
At Pace Recovery Center, we’ve been on the front lines of treating cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP) and other psychiatric complications linked to cannabis use. With more than a decade of clinical experience, we’ve helped dozens of young men whose struggles with cannabis use disorder led to deep disruptions in mental health, relationships, and daily functioning.
We are often the place families call when the connection becomes undeniable—when a loved one’s cannabis use has progressed beyond recreational, and psychosis, mood swings, or clinical depression have taken hold.
Why Pace Recovery Center?
- Specialized Care for CIP: We have deep expertise in diagnosing and treating cannabis-induced psychosis and co-occurring disorders.
- Integrated Mental Health Services: Our clinical team addresses underlying mood disorders like bipolar and major depressive disorder with evidence-based care.
- Structured, Long-Term Programming: Our extended treatment model gives clients the time they need to stabilize, gain insight, and rebuild their lives.
- Family-Informed Approach: We include loved ones in the recovery process, equipping them to support long-term healing.
- Track Record of Success: We’ve helped dozens of young men find clarity, mental stability, and freedom from the grip of cannabis use disorder.
Psychiatric Care for Cannabis Induced Mental Illness
Cannabis use is not harmless. And for a growing number of individuals, especially young men, it can open the door to serious mental illness. The latest research confirms what clinical teams like ours have known for years: effective treatment must include psychiatric care, behavioral change, and long-term support.
If you’re seeing signs of psychosis, depression, or bipolar disorder in a loved one who uses cannabis, Pace Recovery Center is here to help.
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive programs for cannabis-related mental health conditions.
