Cannabis and mental health

Learn how and why cannabis use can negatively affect your mental health.

Some people use cannabis to relax or cope. But it can actually make things worse.

Did you know?

The effects on your mental health over time are greatest if you use cannabis daily or near daily.
Cannabis can interfere with brain development until around the age of 25. If you’re a young adult, your mental health is at a greater risk of harm.
The higher the THC content, the more likely you are to experience harms related to mental health. Any product over 10% or 10 mg of THC is considered high.
You can become dependent on cannabis over time, just like you can with other drugs, alcohol and tobacco. You’re also more likely to use and become dependent on cannabis if you smoke or vape than if you use non-inhalable products like oils, edibles or capsules.
Combining cannabis at the same time as alcohol or other substances further increases the risks to your mental health.
If you have a personal or family history of mental health disorders, cannabis can increase your risk of experiencing psychosis, schizophrenia and/or substance dependence.

Daily or near daily use can:

Increase symptoms of anxiety or depression. It can also increase your chances of developing disorders related to anxiety and depression.

Negatively impact your brain’s dopamine system, which gives you feelings of pleasure and joy. This can make you feel fatigued, unmotivated and low in mood.

Harm your short and long-term memory, thought patterns, focus and speech. You may:

have trouble remembering what you just thought or said
think unusual or abnormal thoughts
become distracted or have trouble concentrating
have trouble forming sentences or experience delayed speech

In severe cases, it can increase your chance of experiencing psychosis and schizophrenia. These cases are more likely among people with a personal or family history of mental illness, particularly male teenagers and young adults. Avoid cannabis if you have a personal or family history of mental illness such as psychosis, schizophrenia or substance use disorder.

The good news?

Reducing or stopping cannabis use can reverse some or all of its effects, and can help improve your long-term mental health and brain function.

Everyone’s response to cannabis and their response to reducing or stopping cannabis can differ. Seeking support from a loved one or health care professional can help.