Comparative examination of the differences between cannabis psychosis and methamphetamine psychosis in a psychological state

Cannabis psychosis and methamphetamine psychosis differ in their core symptoms: methamphetamine psychosis typically involves auditory hallucinations and paranoia that resolve quickly with treatment, whereas cannabis psychosis is characterized by megalomania and a pseudo-enlightenment experience of supernatural existence, leading users to cling to an unrealistic sense of omnipotence and repeat abuse. Because cannabis grows wild and is legal in some countries, users often lack guilt and instead enjoy contact with supernatural power, resulting in social withdrawal and contributing to social problems. The authors argue psychiatrists should recognize these risks and the difficulty of rehabilitating cannabis users.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BackgroundWith the rapid and intensive spread of marihuana abuse among youth, Japanese society is focusing on law enforcement against drug abusers. In 2016, a mass killing allegedly committed by a marihuana abuser was reported in Japan.ObjectivesTo consider that common recognition of the diverse process and potential risks of cannabis psychosis should be shared among psychiatrists.AimsElicit differences between cannabis psychosis and methamphetamine psychosis, and determine whether specific guidelines for treatment of cannabis psychosis are required.MethodIntensive retrospective review of distinctive methamphetamine and cannabis psychosis through case studies in our hospital.ResultMajor symptoms of methamphetamine psychosis include auditory hallucination and paranoia, however recovery is achieved soon after undertaking treatment. In cannabis psychosis, distinctive features are megalomania and by a pseud-enlightenment experience of supernatural existence, abusers stick to an unrealistic self-estimate of omnipotent, which leads them to refuse the fading away of this feeling and repeat abuse.ConclusionPsychological substances have strong suggestibility so abusers’ symptoms are easily modified by their mental state. Involvement of syndicate or perception of illegality reflects abusers’ drastic symptoms, but after dehospitalisation, recurrences are relatively fewer. Cannabis, however, grows wild and is admitted legally in some countries, so abusers lack awareness of guilt by mistaken perception of omnipotence and unrealistic optimism. Due to addiction and depersonalization, they rather enjoy gaining contact with supernatural power and fall into social withdrawal and are implicated to social problems. Considering the difficulty of rehabilitating and returning abusers to the community, we should not disregard the risks of cannabis abuse.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.