When “Just Experimenting” Becomes Something More

If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’ve probably heard the line: “It’s just weed, everyone does it.” Maybe you even believed it at first. After all, cannabis is legal in California. It’s marketed as natural, safe, even medicinal.

But here’s the truth that doesn’t make it into the glossy ads: for some teens and young adults, cannabis can flip a switch in the brain. What looks like typical experimentation can quickly spiral into paranoia, disorganized thinking, or even hallucinations. Families often feel blindsided. One week their teen seemed fine, and the next they’re dealing with symptoms they never imagined.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And more importantly, it’s not your fault.

At Pand Health, we’ve seen countless families go through this exact scenario. That’s why understanding cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP) and acting quickly can make all the difference.

What Is Cannabis-Induced Psychosis?

Cannabis-induced psychosis happens when marijuana use disrupts the brain’s chemistry, leading to psychotic symptoms. These can include:

• Hallucinations – seeing or hearing things others don’t.
• Delusions – strong, unusual beliefs not based in reality.
• Disorganized speech or behavior – thoughts seem scattered, words don’t line up.
• Paranoia – sudden distrust of friends, family, or even strangers.

For some, symptoms fade once cannabis use stops. For others, cannabis use may unmask an underlying vulnerability to conditions like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. That’s why it’s not just about stopping the drug; it’s about getting the right evaluation and support early.

Why Teens Are Especially at Risk

The adolescent brain is still developing, particularly in areas that regulate decision-making and emotion. Cannabis use during this time can disrupt neural pathways in ways that last.

Families often describe the change as “my child just isn’t themselves anymore.” That sudden shift, from a connected, curious teen to someone withdrawn, irritable, or suspicious, is a red flag.

The Warning Signs Families Should Watch For

It can be hard to tell what’s “normal teenage behavior” and what signals something more. Here are patterns that should prompt closer attention:

• A sudden drop in school performance.
• Unusual beliefs (“the government is spying on me” or “my friends are plotting against me”).
• Talking to themselves or seeming to respond to voices you don’t hear.
• Extreme mood swings are tied to cannabis use.
• Withdrawal from family or long-time friends.

If you notice two or more of these changes, especially when they appear after cannabis use, it’s time to act.

Why Early Help Matters

One of the hardest truths to accept as a parent is that ignoring these signs doesn’t make them go away. Psychosis is not a “phase.” The earlier care begins, the greater the chance of recovery and preventing long-term disability.

Families who wait often look back and say, “I wish we had taken the first signs more seriously.”

Early intervention can:

• Reduce the risk of hospitalization.
• Improve school and work outcomes.
• Strengthen coping skills and family communication.
• Prevent relapse triggered by ongoing cannabis use.

Our Approach at Pand Health

At Pand Health, we specialize in early psychosis care for teens and young adults across Los Angeles and California. Our team understands the unique challenges of cannabis-induced psychosis and offers:

• Comprehensive assessment to determine if psychosis is linked to cannabis or other causes.
• Therapy and skill-building to support recovery and reduce relapse.
• Family education so parents know how to respond and support without shame or blame.
• Psychiatric care when medication is part of the solution.

We don’t just treat symptoms, we walk with families through the confusion, fear, and hope that come with this journey.