Highlighted in the 2022 World Drug Report by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, cannabis remains the most widely used drug worldwide, with roughly 209 million people having used cannabis in 2020, a 23% increase from the 170 million people in 2010. As cannabis use and THC potencies increase, there has been a “notable increase” in related treatment admissions and psychiatric comorbidities. Cannabis was the most common substance reported in emergency rooms, where it was present in 26% of acute drug toxicity cases. In a study involving patients presenting first episode psychosis, cannabis use was associated with a three times greater likelihood of psychotic disorder. Daily use of high-potency cannabis increased the risk of psychotic disorder more than fourfold.
