The Tragic Toll of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis: Stories of Loss and Awareness

Cannabis or more commonly known as marijuana, is one of the most frequently used drugs in the United States. In 2022, marijuana became more popular than alcohol as the preferred daily drug of use among Americans. In the same year, it was found that 30 out of every 100 high school age students reported using the drug within the past 12 months, and 3 of every 50 reported using it daily.

Marijuana is often perceived as harmless, which has influenced its increased use by a factor of 15 within the past three decades, but this substance can have severe physical and mental health effects.

This blog will share the heart-wrenching stories of Brant Clark and Shane Robinson, as told by their families, along with a recent article by Alton Northup editor-in-chief of KentWired. Their lives were tragically cut short by marijuana induced psychosis.

Brant Clark 

Brant Clark (pictured above) was a happy and bright 17-year-old who reported using marijuana socially. However, during his last high school winter break, after smoking marijuana at a party with friends, he experienced a psychotic break believed to have been triggered by smoking a large amount of potent marijuana.

After the party Brent expressed to his mother his feelings of “emptiness and hopelessness”, and deep regret, lamenting his decision to smoke marijuana. Within two days of the onset of symptoms, Brant was admitted to the ER and psychiatric care unit. Tragically, three weeks later, he ended his own life, leaving behind a note revealing his intense mental anguish and regret.

Brant’s doctor diagnosed him with Cannabis-Induced Psychosis, a condition where marijuana use leads to severe mental disturbances. Brant’s case highlights how this condition can manifest suddenly and with tragic consequences.

Ann, Brant’s mother, recalls the happiness her son brought to her life, and the pain that lingers after his loss.

Shane Robinson

In 2009, Lori Robinson’s son faced a similar fate. Shane, a vibrant 23-year-old, turned to marijuana for pain relief after a knee injury. Despite his parents’ concerns, Shane believed that the drug was a safe alternative to pain medication. However, Shane’s behavior changed drastically, he began to experience hallucinations and delusions. After being hospitalized several times and a prolonged struggle with mental health, Shane took his own life at the age of 25.

Lori, Shane’s mother, shared that the psychologists who treated her son questioned marijuana’s role in her Shane’s mental illness, but neither Shane nor Brant had any prior history of mental illness, and their symptoms rapidly emerged after using marijuana.

Cannabis-Induced Psychosis would finally be added as a recognized mental health diagnosis in the year of 2013.

Medical and Scientific Insights

Although research still has a long way to go and should continue to examine how mental health disorders are affected by marijuana use independently, it should also focus on understanding the physiological mechanisms, as well as the effects of increased potency and contaminants in marijuana. The progress that has been made is enough to encourage the continuation of this field of research. Recent studies have shown strong associations between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and psychotic episodes. One study showed that 5 out of every 6 teenagers who sought help for a psychotic episode had used marijuana and that they were 11 times more likely to experience psychotic episodes compared to non-users of the drug. Another study showed a 30% increase in schizophrenia cases among men aged 21-30 were associated with CUD.

Dr. David Streem from the Cleveland Clinic shared with the editor of KentWired that he has observed a dramatic increase in psychosis cases over the past decade, which aligns with the increase in marijuana potency from less than 10% in the 90s to 30% or more today.

Advocating for Prevention

Ann Clark and Lori Robinson have become advocates, raising awareness about the dangers of cannabis-induced psychosis. Despite facing skepticism and opposition, they courageously continue to share their son’s stories to educate others about the potential risks of marijuana use.

As marijuana becomes widely legalized, Ann believes that “it only gives our young people a lower perception of harm, and a false sense of security and safety”. However, increased levels of THC and the building body of evidence linking marijuana to mental health conditions, call for greater public health education and regulations.

The tragic stories of Brant and Shane underscore the urgent need for awareness about cannabis-induced psychosis as the use of marijuana becomes more prevalent among younger populations.