Expert Insights from Dr. Harold C. Urschel III
Marijuana policy in the United States is changing rapidly. As legalization expands and federal marijuana reclassification efforts continue moving forward, public perception of cannabis has shifted significantly in recent years.
Many people now view marijuana as relatively low-risk or harmless, particularly as more states approve medical and recreational use. However, addiction specialists say today’s cannabis products are fundamentally different from the marijuana many adults remember from previous decades—and the mental health effects associated with modern high-potency THC products may be more serious than many people realize.
In April 2026, the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced plans to move certain marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act while also initiating a broader review of marijuana’s federal classification.
Supporters argue the move could improve scientific research opportunities and expand access to regulated therapies. At the same time, clinicians are raising concerns about the relationship between marijuana and mental health, particularly as cannabis potency continues increasing nationwide.
Why Today’s Marijuana Is Different Than Previous Generations
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding marijuana is the belief that modern cannabis products are similar to the marijuana used decades ago.
According to Dr. Harold C. Urschel III, Chief Medical Strategist at Enterhealth, THC potency has increased dramatically over time.
“Most of the cannabis in the 1970s was approximately 1–2% THC. Today, many products range from 20–50% THC, and some concentrated products can reach significantly higher levels.”
- Dr. Urschel
National research supports this shift in potency. Studies tracking cannabis products over time have documented substantial increases in THC concentrations, particularly among concentrates, vaping products, extracts, and edibles.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound responsible for marijuana’s intoxicating effects (the higher the concentration of THC (potency) the stronger the euphoria (high) for the user. As THC potency rises, clinicians say the intensity, duration, and negative psychiatric impact of cannabis exposure may also increase.
How Marijuana May Affect Mental Health
As marijuana legalization and normalization have expanded, addiction specialists say they are seeing more patients experiencing cannabis-related mental health symptoms and cannabis use disorder.
Dr. Urschel notes that marijuana addiction was once less commonly seen as a primary substance use issue.
Clinicians are increasingly observing psychiatric symptoms associated with high-potency marijuana use, including:
- paranoia
- severe anxiety
- hallucinations
- depression
- mood instability
- psychosis
- panic symptoms
“In the past, marijuana was often secondary to alcohol, opioids, cocaine, or methamphetamine use. Over the last several years, we’ve seen a significant increase in patients seeking treatment primarily for cannabis-related issues.”
According to Dr. Urschel, these symptoms may appear in all users but are seen even more frequently among individuals who began using marijuana during adolescence, when the brain is still developing.
“When psychiatric symptoms occur, they can be extremely frightening and disruptive for both patients and families.”
Mental health professionals emphasize that not everyone who uses marijuana will develop psychiatric symptoms. However, research continues examining how frequent cannabis use, particularly involving high-potency THC products, may affect vulnerable individuals differently.
Why Early Marijuana Use Matters
Addiction specialists continue paying close attention to the age at which marijuana use begins.
Adolescence is one of the most important periods of brain development, with systems related to emotional regulation, memory, impulse control, and decision-making still evolving into early adulthood (up to age 30 years old.)
According to Dr. Urschel, individuals who begin using marijuana early—especially high-potency cannabis products—may face greater long-term mental health and substance use risks.
“The earlier someone begins using marijuana and the more frequently they use it, the greater the potential negative impact on the user’s brain development.”
For many adults seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder or co-occurring mental health conditions, substance use patterns often began years earlier during adolescence or young adulthood.
Cannabis Use Disorder (addiction to Cannabis) Is Often Misunderstood
Another common misconception is that marijuana is not addictive.
While not everyone who uses marijuana develops a substance use disorder, research suggests approximately 20–30% of cannabis users may develop addiction to the substance (cannabis use disorder,) with even higher risks among adolescents and frequent users.
Dr. Urschel explains that THC behaves differently in the body than many individuals realize.
“THC is highly lipophilic, meaning it binds to fat cells throughout the body. As a result, withdrawal symptoms and cravings can persist much longer than many individuals expect. Additionally, the longer the THC is in your body, the more toxic it becomes to your brain and other vital organs (i.e., heart, lungs, blood vessels).”
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms may continue for weeks in some individuals and can include:
- irritability
- anxiety
- sleep disruption
- cravings
- mood swings
- difficulty concentrating
Because marijuana is often perceived as “safe” or “natural,” many people delay seeking treatment until symptoms begin affecting work, relationships, daily functioning, or mental health.
For some individuals, cannabis addiction and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms may warrant professional evaluation and structured treatment, including residential or outpatient care depending on severity.
What Marijuana Reclassification Does—and Does Not—Mean
Supporters of marijuana reclassification argue that moving cannabis to Schedule III could improve scientific research opportunities and create more consistency across state-regulated medical marijuana programs.
However, addiction specialists caution that marijuana reclassification should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that cannabis is harmless or safe.
“There’s a difference between expanding research and assuming something is completely safe.”
Clinicians say one of the greatest risks associated with changing marijuana policy may be the growing public perception that legalization or reclassification eliminates potential health concerns. Schedule III medication classification, is the “normal” classification for most prescribed medications, like blood pressure, heart and diabetes medications. We all respect the idea that if a medication requires a prescription from a doctor, it is somewhat dangerous or harmful if not taking it as directed or if you do not need it.
Mental health professionals continue emphasizing the importance of evidence-based conversations around marijuana use, particularly as cannabis products become more potent, more accessible, and more heavily marketed.
When to Trust Online Health Advice & When to Seek Help
Online health advice and health research can be valuable, but they have important limitations.
When symptoms persist, worsen, or represent a noticeable change from normal functioning, people should speak with a qualified professional.
Continuing to search for answers online rather than consulting a provider can delay diagnosis and allow symptoms to worsen. Early intervention and accurate diagnosis can significantly impact long-term outcomes.
This is especially important when substance use, mood changes, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, withdrawal symptoms, or changes in behavior begin to affect daily life. Licensed professionals can provide individualized evaluation that considers medical history, mental health, substance use history, risk factors, and current health status—factors that online resources cannot fully assess.
Online information should support informed conversations with professionals, not replace them.
How Enterhealth Helps Individuals Facing Marijuana & Mental Health Challenges
Understanding the connection between marijuana and mental health can be challenging, especially as cannabis products become more potent and widely available. If marijuana use is beginning to affect your relationships, work, emotional well-being, or daily functioning, you do not have to navigate those concerns alone.
At Enterhealth, we provide evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our clinical team works with each individual to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both substance use and the underlying factors that may contribute to it.
Enterhealth Ranch — physician-led residential care in a structured, restorative environment
Enterhealth Outpatient Center of Excellence — intensive outpatient, therapy, medication management, diagnostics, and ongoing support
Whether you’re concerned about cannabis use disorder, persistent mental health symptoms, or a loved one’s well-being, early support can make a meaningful difference.
FAQs
Can marijuana cause mental health problems?
Research suggests marijuana use, particularly high-potency THC products, may contribute to psychiatric symptoms in some individuals, including anxiety, paranoia, depression, and psychosis (hallucinations.) Risk may increase with frequent use and early adolescent exposure.
Is today’s marijuana stronger than it used to be?
Yes. Modern cannabis products often contain significantly higher THC concentrations than marijuana products from previous decades – maybe 10 -50 time stronger. Some concentrates and extracts contain extremely high potency levels.
What is cannabis use disorder?
Cannabis use disorder (addiction) is a medical condition in which marijuana use begins interfering with daily functioning, relationships, work, or mental health. Symptoms may include cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulty reducing use.
Does marijuana reclassification mean marijuana is safe?
No. Federal marijuana reclassification primarily affects regulation and research policy. Mental health professionals caution that legalization or rescheduling does not eliminate potential health risks associated with high-potency cannabis use.
Can marijuana withdrawal cause symptoms?
Yes. Some individuals experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping marijuana use, including irritability, anxiety, sleep disruption, cravings, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating.
Is marijuana more risky for adolescents?
Adolescents may face greater risks because the brain continues developing into early adulthood. Early and frequent marijuana use may affect memory, emotional regulation, and long-term mental health outcomes.
