Not everyone develops problems when using cannabis, but those who do can experience side-effects ranging from panic and anxiety when intoxicated, through to developing a dependency on cannabis after using the drug regularly over a period of time.
Although some people are more at risk of developing problems than others, these symptoms can and do arise at any stage of cannabis use.
People with a mental health problem
There is much debate over whether cannabis itself actually causes a mental health problem. For some people, there are very strong associations between the use of cannabis and either developing some mental health symptoms or making a condition they may already have worse.
Cannabis use has been linked to the following mental health conditions:
- depression and anxiety
- psychotic episodes
- schizophrenia
People already diagnosed or experiencing symptoms related to any of these conditions should avoid using cannabis. If they do use the drug, they should talk to their doctor or health care worker about their cannabis use. This also applies to anyone who uses cannabis and has a family history of mental illness.
For more information, see NCPIC Fact Sheet 3: Cannabis and mental health
Young people
Generally speaking, if a person starts smoking cannabis at an early age (i.e., early adolescence) and uses cannabis frequently, they are more likely to experience negative consequences.
Young people using cannabis are at greater risk of:
- developing mental health problems
- becoming dependent on cannabis
- general life problems:
- relationship and home conflicts
- leaving home early
- difficulty with memory and learning
- dropping out from study or work
- financial difficulties
- legal issues
For more information, see NCPIC Fact Sheet 17: Cannabis and young people.
The following factors may increase the risk of developing problems with cannabis use:
- frequent use at a young age
- emotional stress
- poor parenting
- school drop-out
- affiliation with drug-using peers
- moving away from home at an early age
- daily cigarette smoking
- having ready access to cannabis
- having positive experiences to early cannabis use
