Cannabis in Canada isn’t what it used to be. Since the country legalized marijuana for recreational and medical use in 2018 under The Cannabis Act, experts have noticed a sharp increase in the strength of the plant — and they’re sounding the alarm.
Donald Trump is reconsidering the US’ stance on cannabis – kind of (Getty Images)
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (Aug 11, 2025) reveals that the average THC content — the psychoactive compound that gives cannabis its “high” — has jumped from just 4% in the early 2000s to over 20% today in most legal products. That’s a fivefold increase, and doctors say it’s not without risks.
Higher THC = Higher Mental Health Risks
According to Dr. Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa’s Department of Psychiatry, the rise in potency could be a major reason for the growing link between cannabis use and serious mental health conditions — particularly psychosis and schizophrenia.
The study links regular cannabis use to increased mental health issues (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Regularly using high-THC cannabis can trigger:
- Hallucinations
- Delusional thinking
- Severe confusion
Younger people, men, and those with existing mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or anxiety are especially vulnerable.
What the Numbers Say
A massive study tracking 9.8 million people in Ontario found:
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Cannabis use can increase the risk of schizophrenia (Mrs/Getty Images)
- People visiting the ER for cannabis use had a 14x higher risk of developing schizophrenia-spectrum disorders within three years.
- Those with cannabis-induced psychosis had a 240x higher risk, especially in the first few years afterward.
(Source: Ontario cannabis & mental health study)
Treatment and Recovery
The number one step in managing cannabis-induced psychosis is simple: stop using cannabis.
Doctors may prescribe antipsychotic medication to help symptoms (OSTILL/Getty Images)
If symptoms are severe, doctors may prescribe short-term antipsychotic medication. Once symptoms stabilize, medication can often be reduced or stopped under supervision.
Therapies like Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) have been proven to help people quit, manage cravings, and improve their quality of life.
Bottom Line
Cannabis in Canada has changed — it’s stronger, and it carries more mental health risks than ever before. Whether you use it recreationally or medicinally, it’s important to know what’s in your product and how it could affect your mind.
Therapy can change peoples’ lives (Zoran Zeremski/Getty Images)
If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis use, you can get free, confidential help from American Addiction Centers at (313) 209-9137 (available 24/7).
💡 Tip: If you’re going to use cannabis, start low, go slow, and stay informed — your future self will thank you.
