Cannabis Pen-Induced Psychosis in a First-Time Adolescent User
Psychopharmacology Bulletin August 12, 2025 Patrick J Beck, Abhishek Reddy
An adolescent female presented to the emergency department with acute psychosis after using a cannabis vape pen. Her symptoms were self-limited and resolved without significant intervention, leading to a diagnosis of cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP). Cannabis vaping is growing in popularity among adolescents due to ease of concealment and lack of odor, and vape products often contain higher THC concentrations than traditional cannabis leaf, potentially increasing the risk for adverse effects including dysphoria and psychosis. The case is used to discuss CIP symptomatology and treatment, and the broader implications of cannabis vaping for adolescent neurodevelopment, substance use, and psychiatric comorbidities.