Canadian Youth Psychosis Rates Surge, Cannabis Use Suspected as Key Factor
Health experts are sounding alarms about a disturbing trend in Canadian youth mental health. A comprehensive Ontario study spanning three decades has revealed a significant increase in psychotic disorders among young people, with cannabis use emerging as a primary suspect in this troubling development.
Alarming Statistics from Three Decades of Data
The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, analyzed health records of more than 12 million Ontario residents born between 1960 and 2009. The findings are particularly concerning for younger demographics. Researchers identified over 152,000 psychotic disorder diagnoses during the 30-year study period, with the annual rate increasing by a staggering 60% among those aged 14 to 20.
"Rather than just looking at what's the overall rate of schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, we asked whether it differed by birth cohorts," explained Dr. Daniel Myran, a family physician and research chair at North York General Hospital. "Did people born in the 1960s have a different rate of psychotic disorders than people born in the '70s, '80s or '90s?"
The data reveals a clear pattern: while rates remained stable or declined for adults aged 21 to 50, the younger cohort showed dramatic increases. For those aged 14-20, the rate rose from 62.5 cases per 100,000 people in the 1990s to nearly 100 cases per 100,000 by the study's conclusion.
Cannabis: A Leading Suspect in Rising Psychosis Cases
While researchers caution that multiple factors may contribute to the rising psychosis rates, substance use—particularly cannabis consumption—stands out as a significant concern. Dr. Myran noted that substance use including cannabis, stimulants, hallucinogens and synthetic drugs represents "a leading possibility" explaining the two-decade increase.
Ottawa Hospital psychiatrist Sarah Brandigampola echoed these concerns, highlighting gender-specific patterns: "In males, we're seeing a younger age of onset and a stronger correlation to cannabis use."
Understanding Cannabis Risks Beyond Recreational Use
Health experts emphasize that cannabis presents more dangers than many Canadians realize. While short-term effects can include euphoria and relaxation, the drug can also trigger anxiety, panic, paranoia and confusion in some individuals. Cognitive impairments such as short-term memory loss, reduced motor coordination and slower reaction times are additional concerns.
The long-term consequences are equally troubling, including potential memory loss, learning impairment, addiction, chronic anxiety, and depression. Most significantly for youth, cannabis use has been linked to the development of psychotic disorders in vulnerable individuals, particularly those who begin using during adolescence.
Legalization Context and Current Usage Patterns
These findings emerge against the backdrop of Canada's cannabis legalization landscape. Since recreational cannabis became legal in 2018 under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, usage patterns have shifted dramatically across the country.
Statistics Canada reports reveal that in 2023, more than one-third of adults aged 18 to 24 years (38.4%) and 25 to 44 years (34.5%) reported using cannabis in the previous 12 months. This compares to just 15.5% of adults aged 45 years and older. Perhaps more concerning, approximately 1 in 10 adults aged 18 to 24 years (8.7%) and 25 to 44 years (10.3%) reported using cannabis daily or almost daily.
The economic dimensions of cannabis legalization are also significant, with federal and provincial governments receiving $1.9 billion from the control and sale of recreational cannabis in 2022/2023—an increase of nearly one-quarter from the previous year.
Implications for Youth Mental Health Policy
This research raises important questions about youth mental health protection in Canada's post-legalization environment. The strong correlation between rising psychosis rates and cannabis use among young people suggests a need for renewed public health education and potentially revised approaches to youth cannabis prevention.
As Canada continues to navigate the complexities of cannabis legalization, this study provides crucial data highlighting the importance of balancing accessibility with protective measures for vulnerable populations, particularly adolescents and young adults whose developing brains may be most susceptible to cannabis-related psychiatric risks.
