People with psychotic disorders are the most vulnerable to cannabis adverse health outcomes: a study in WA State, USA.

Cannabis use has been shown to negatively impact the management and prognosis of psychotic disorders. Little is known about the broader health impacts of cannabis use in this population. This study compares cannabis-related negative health outcomes among individuals with a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder to those with other mental health (MH) diagnoses or no MH diagnosis. Data came from International Cannabis Policy Study (2020-2023). Respondents were 4,144 Washington State individuals aged 16-65, who consumed cannabis in the last 12 months. Three groups were compared for cannabis use negative health events: lifetime diagnoses of psychotic disorders, other MH and no MH diagnoses. Logistic regressions were used in the analysis. People with psychotic disorders were more likely to report adverse events from their cannabis use and to pursue medical attention than consumers with other MH or no MH diagnoses (p < .001.) They had higher likelihood of nausea/vomiting, heart or blood pressure problems, fainting, acute psychosis or hallucinations, flashbacks, Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, and positive screening for high-risk cannabis use than consumers with other MH or no MH diagnoses. Individuals with psychotic disorder experience more adverse health events from cannabis, including events not associated with exacerbation of their disorders. These findings highlight the need to develop focused clinical interventions and awareness campaigns to address elevated risks of cannabis use among this vulnerable population.