A new study from Ontario reports a sharp rise in psychotic disorders among young people, sparking fresh concerns about cannabis use. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, tracked 12.2 million Ontario residents born between 1960 and 2009. The findings show that between 1997 and 2023, cases of psychosis jumped by 60% among those aged 14 to 20. During that same period, rates for adults aged 21 to 50 either stayed the same or dropped.

The study authors and several psychiatrists, including Dr. Daniel Myran, Dr. Romina Mizrahi, and Dr. Srividya Iyer, point to several possible causes. These include childhood trauma, pollution, being born to older parents, the stress of immigration, and the pressures of city life. However, they specifically highlight that use of cannabis and other drugs has grown and is closely linked to the start or worsening of psychotic episodes.

Dr. Mizrahi noted that she often treats young people in crisis who use cannabis without understanding its risks. Meanwhile, Dr. Iyer pointed out that Canada is a world leader in early intervention for psychosis. This approach focuses on providing quick medical follow-up to help limit the long-term negative effects on a patient's life.