N.S. seeing an increase in teens with long-lasting psychosis due to high-potency cannabis

Clinicians at Halifax's IWK Health Centre say more young patients are arriving with severe symptoms tied to high-potency cannabis — and their symptoms are taking much longer to clear, even after they stop using the drug.

Dr. Kyle Godden, an inpatient psychiatrist at the IWK, said youth using high-potency products experience more severe episodes and require longer hospital care.

Godden recalled a young male patient who came into the hospital with severe paranoia, agitation and hallucinations.

"It was very evident, based on his story, that it was his use of these high-potency products that provoked and caused these symptoms," said Godden.

Once the patient recovered, he told Godden he had no idea the cannabis he bought was so strong.

He now worries about his friends, who use high-concentration vape or so-called dab pens without understanding the risk.

"It had a profound impact on me that this young person felt let down by ... society," Godden said. "He felt like he never even should have ended up in that situation."

Dr. Sabina Abidi, head of the Youth Psychosis Clinic at the IWK, told CBC Radio’s Information Morning Nova Scotia that the spike in cases mirrors a decade-long rise in THC concentrations.

"There is a direct connection between using cannabis with THC concentrations of 10 per cent or higher and impairments to focus, motivation and driving," Abidi said, adding it can also trigger "serious and persistent psychiatric illnesses."

THC is the primary mind-altering compound in cannabis. While it produces the drug's typical high, Health Canada warns that concentrations over 20 per cent significantly increase the risk of long-term mental health issues and harmful side effects.

Abidi said some products available legally through the NSLC carry concentrations of THC in the 20 to 30 per cent range, which is higher than what was previously available.

Abidi is working on a study on hospital cases, noting preliminary data shows a striking upward trend. The results were so alarming, Abidi and her colleagues wanted to speak out now to raise awareness.

For youth with a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis, high-potency THC can act as a psychological trigger.

"In the last month, I’ve seen five people present with psychotic symptoms directly related to the use of high-potency cannabis," she said.

"That number is double what we would’ve seen even five years ago."

Abidi says some of the THC concentrations can reach as high as 90 per cent and she fears today's high-potency cannabis market could become "the nicotine story of the '60s," urging parents to understand the risks and talk openly with their children.

Both Abidi and Godden call this a significant public health issue, and say governments need to put protections in place to stop youth from getting their hands on these products.

"One of the significant risks currently that we are looking into is the availability of these products," said Abidi. "Again, it would be illegally to young people under the age of 19, [through] online or other sources for these products.”

Late last year, Nova Scotia’s justice minister ordered police to crack down on illegal dispensaries.

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