New insight in psychotic cannabis withdrawal: case series and brief overview

Abstract

Summary. Background. Cannabis is the most used recreational drug worldwide. Its use can increase the risk of developing psychotic disorders and exacerbate their course. However, little is known about the relationship between psychosis and withdrawal and the literature is still scarce. Case presentation. In this study, based on an analysis of 4 patients referred to our mental health department and evaluated between 2019 and 2023, we describe psychotic features emerged after abrupt cannabis withdrawal and we attempt to explore its characteristics. Conclusion. Although it is difficult to show specific mechanisms underlying the psychopathological alterations in cannabis withdrawal induced psychosis, it is clear that this serious clinical picture could be a risk factor for precipitating psychosis especially in a vulnerable group of patients. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of a higher risk of psychotic onset associated not only with chronic cannabis use but also with its abrupt cessation.