(#61) The Point of No Return? Cannabis Addiction and Lasting Psychosis

Abstract: This case examines a 23-year-old male whose cannabis addiction precipitated treatment-resistant psychosis. After one year of heavy use, he developed paranoid delusions (e.g., believing family members were mafia operatives surveilling him). Despite achieving abstinence, his symptoms persisted beyond typical substance-induced psychosis durations. Key findings include: 1) Symptom recurrence during antipsychotic tapering (risperidone/Depakote), 2) Progressive functional decline mirroring schizophrenia, and 3) Failed recovery despite cannabis cessation. The temporal link between his addiction onset and psychotic break, combined with poor medication response, suggests cannabis may have permanently altered neurodevelopmental trajectories in this vulnerable individual. This case underscores addictionís potential to "lock in" psychosis and highlights the need for early screening in cannabis-dependent patients with psychiatric risk factors.Short Description: A young manís cannabis addiction led to irreversible psychosis, challenging traditional distinctions between substance-induced and primary psychotic disorders.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): N/A