Frequently Asked Questions

Cannabis-induced psychosis cases have significantly increased in recent years amid the legalization and proliferation of high-potency cannabis concentrates and vaping products. In California emergency rooms, visits for cannabis-induced psychosis rose 54% from 2016 to 2019 as legal cannabis markets opened.  

The DSM-5 categorizes cannabis-induced psychotic disorder as a substance-induced psychotic disorder, presenting distinct features such as sudden mood swings, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, cognitive impairments, agitation, disorganized thinking, and an altered sense of reality. These symptoms typically emerge within a week, occasionally within just 24 hours of cannabis consumption. 

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10988276/ 

CIP can lead to both short and long-term issues with acute effects including hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, while long-term effects may involve cognitive impairment, disorganized thinking, severe anxiety, depressive episodes, and emotional instability. 

In some cases, CIP can require years of treatment, including the use of anti-psychotic medication. Based on current scientific and medical research, CIP appears to be caused by high THC exposures, which can damage the portions of the brain responsible for distinguishing reality from delusion.   

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10988276/ 

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, responsible for the “high” commonly associated with its use. The THC content in cannabis products can vary significantly, but it has generally increased over time.  

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the average THC content in cannabis seized by the Drug Enforcement Agency has more than tripled over the past 25 years, rising from 4% in 1995 to 15% in 2021. Medical studies suggest that high-potency cannabis concentrates may increase the risk of acute adverse effects, such as paranoia and psychosis. 

Source: https://nida.nih.gov/research/research-data-measures-resources/cannabis-potency-data 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796718301803 

If you or a family member have experienced psychosis or other mental illness that you believe may be related to underage use of marijuana and cannabis, the Cannabis Victims Law Center (CVLC) is here to help. We provide legal assistance for teens and families harmed by cannabis vaping products. Our experienced attorneys offer free consultations to review your case and determine whether manufacturers or distributors can be held accountable for the harm caused. 

CVLC helps clients navigate the best legal options for their circumstances. These may include product liability claims against manufacturers and distributors, negligence claims for failure to warn about cannabis risks, and compensation claims for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other damages. 

To file a claim, CVLC will guide you through the process and assist in gathering necessary documentation, such as medical records and proof of cannabis product use. Our team will help you build your case and advocate for justice on your behalf. 

Yes, in many cases, courts allow anonymity for minors involved in litigation. This protects their identity and privacy, especially in sensitive cases involving medical or mental health issues.