{"id":33887,"date":"2025-08-13T15:08:31","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T15:08:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=33887"},"modified":"2025-08-13T15:08:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T15:08:31","slug":"scientists-issue-five-cannabis-health-warnings-as-potency-increases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=33887","title":{"rendered":"Scientists issue five cannabis health warnings as potency increases"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Scientists have issued fresh health warnings on cannabis use after discovering the drug has gotten stronger over the last 20 years. <\/strong><\/p>\n

The psychoactive drug<\/a> is back in the headlines once again as Donald Trump<\/a> looks to shake up the laws<\/a> that govern it.<\/p>\n

The US<\/a> president is considering the possibility of dropping cannabis<\/a> from Schedule I – where it’s currently classed as highly addictive and dangerous, alongside heroin, ecstasy and LSD – to the less-offensive Schedule III.<\/p>\n

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The drug would still be illegal, but thought to have ‘a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence’ instead.<\/p>\n

Despite its current categorization, numerous states have legalized cannabis for medical purposes, while 24 have given it the green light for recreational use. Meanwhile, a new study from scientists in Canada<\/a> has sounded the alarm on some of the terrifying dangers of using cannabis long-term.<\/p>\n

Canada legalized the drug for both recreational and medicinal purposes under The Cannabis Act, which came into effect on October 17, 2018.<\/p>\n

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Donald Trump is reconsidering the US’ stance on cannabis – kind of (Getty Images)<\/cite><\/div>\n

Published in the<\/a> Canadian Medical Association Journal<\/em> on Monday (August 11), it links consistent use of the drug – which is growing in potency – with mental health<\/a> issues.<\/p>\n

The new study found cannabis has become much stronger since the early 2000s, when the average amount of THC – the chemical that produces the ‘high’ – was about four percent. These days, in most legal cannabis sold in Canada, it\u2019s over 20 percent.<\/p>\n

Co-author Dr Nicholas Fabiano, MD, resident and researcher with the Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, said: “Cannabis from the 2000s is not the same as in 2025. THC content has increased by five times. This is likely a significant driver in the increasing link between cannabis use and schizophrenia.”<\/p>\n

Here’s what else the study found…<\/p>\n

Stronger cannabis can raise the risk of psychosis<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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The study links regular cannabis use to increased mental health issues (Justin Sullivan\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/div>\n

Using cannabis with very high THC levels, especially on a regular basis, can increase the chances of experiencing psychosis, with symptoms including hallucinations or delusional thinking.<\/p>\n

The risk is higher for younger people, men, and anyone who already has a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety.<\/p>\n

Most people who experience cannabis-related psychosis recover quickly, often within a day, but for those whose symptoms last longer or who have a history of psychosis, hospital care is often needed.<\/p>\n

A link to schizophrenia<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Cannabis use can increase the risk of schizophrenia (Mrs\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/div>\n

A major study involving 9.8 million people in Ontario found a strong link between cannabis-related health<\/a> problems and schizophrenia.<\/p>\n

People who went to the emergency department for cannabis use had a 14 times higher risk of developing a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder within three years compared to the general population.<\/p>\n

For those treated for cannabis-induced psychosis, that risk skyrocketed – more than 240 times higher – with the danger greatest in the first few years afterward.<\/p>\n

Treatment starts with stopping cannabis use<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Doctors may prescribe antipsychotic medication to help symptoms (OSTILL\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/div>\n

The most important step in treating cannabis-induced psychosis is to stop using cannabis altogether, the study found.<\/p>\n

If symptoms are severe, doctors may prescribe antipsychotic medication to help manage them.<\/p>\n

But once a person\u2019s symptoms have settled, the medication can often be reduced or stopped gradually.<\/p>\n

Therapy can help people quit<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Therapy can change peoples’ lives (Zoran Zeremski\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/div>\n

Less of a warning, more of a silver lining; counselling approaches like motivational interviewing can help people feel ready to quit, while cognitive behavioural therapy can teach practical ways to manage cravings and avoid relapse.<\/p>\n

These methods, whether delivered by a doctor or psychologist, can reduce cannabis use, ease mental health symptoms and improve daily life.<\/p>\n

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24\/7, or contact them through their <\/em>website<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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