In another study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers found more prolonged depersonalization among subjects after smoking. There was a significant link found between marijuana and depersonalization, with depersonalization peaking 30 minutes after smoking the marijuana cigarettes. In a study published in Biological Psychiatry, marijuana cigarettes were administered to 35 mentally healthy patients. In some cases, it lasts no more than 30 minutes. Some people describe the sensation as “watching their life from the backseat of their mind,” or “experiencing life as if they are stuck in a dream.” Marijuana-induced depersonalization is much more common than marijuana-induced psychosis, and it typically only lasts weeks to months. Despite the dashes of debate, there is undoubtedly a connection between the two, whether it relates only to those who are already predisposed and prone, or everyone.ĭepersonalization is a dissociative disorder that induces a feeling of body/mind detachment.

Research on the link between marijuana and psychiatric disorders is very new, and the extent of how inextricable it is is still being studied. Those with a family history of schizophrenia and psychosis are the most vulnerable, and some researchers believe they are the only ones with cause for concern. While psychosis on its own can be temporary, there is currently no cure for schizophrenia.Īlthough the thought of losing touch with reality can be terrifying, most people are not at pure risk of developing psychosis or schizophrenia. Schizophrenics experience additional symptoms, such as loss of emotional expression, and disorganization so severe it is difficult to function. Schizophrenia is a mental illness that encompasses psychosis, but not everyone who experiences psychosis is schizophrenic.

While psychosis is not classified as a mental illness, it is a symptom of other underlying concerns. Psychosis is classified as “a break with reality,” and sufferers may experience hallucinations, delusions, and disjointed speech. Psychosis and schizophrenia are similar, and both can seriously impact one’s perception of reality. Moreover, those who had smoked more than 50 times increased their risk of developing the condition six-fold. Another study from the NLM that followed Swedish soldiers for 15 years, found that those who smoked marijuana at least once were more than twice as likely to develop schizophrenia than those who never smoked. It takes even less practice to put the smoker at a higher risk of schizophrenia. In tandem, a study from The National Library of Medicine (NLM) found that the odds of developing psychosis doubles after using marijuana at least five times. But, for a select few, marijuana use can trigger mental health crises and catalyze underlying mental illnesses into action.Īccording to Harvard Health Publishing, regular marijuana use increases the user’s risk of developing psychosis and schizophrenia. In legalized states, dispensary shelves are lined with brightly colored packages resembling familiar candy brands, making the product seem fun and harmless, especially to first-time users. With recreational marijuana legalized in 14 states and decriminalized in another 16, it has never been easier to gain access to the substance.

Depersonalization from weed