🌿 “It’s Natural, Bro” — But Is It Safe?

In hostels, house parties, beach gatherings, and even among creative professionals in Chennai, cannabis (ganja) is often romanticized as “natural,” “peaceful,” or “harmless.”

But behind this mellow image lies a growing mental health concern—loss of motivation, paranoia, emotional flatness, and even full-blown psychosis.

As more young adults experiment with cannabis—especially post-lockdown—we’re seeing a sharp rise in long-term mental health issues that take years to recover from.

🧠 The Real Risks of Regular Cannabis Use

1. Amotivational Syndrome: The Silent Trap

This is one of the most underdiagnosed but disabling effects of chronic cannabis use.

Symptoms include:

• Loss of drive and ambition

• Reduced interest in academics or work

• Poor planning and decision-making

• Sleep-wake reversal and brain fog

• Flat mood, reduced social engagement

• Constant procrastination and indifference

“He was a bright engineering student—now he just lies around, scrolling or smoking.”

“She was full of ideas. Now she doesn’t even leave her room.”

In many cases, these changes are mislabelled as laziness or depression, but are actually due to cannabis-induced neuroadaptation.

2. Cannabis-Induced Psychosis: A Frightening Flip

In susceptible individuals (especially those with genetic risk or family history of mental illness), cannabis can trigger a temporary or long-term psychotic breakdown.

What does that look like?

• Sudden delusions (e.g., being followed, watched, or special)

• Disorganized thinking or speech

• Severe anxiety, panic, or suspiciousness

• Visual or auditory hallucinations

• Social withdrawal and bizarre behaviour

Even one high-potency joint (especially with THC-laced products like “dab pens” or “edibles”) can push someone into acute psychosis.

In some, these episodes pass. But in others, they evolve into chronic schizophrenia-like illnesses, requiring long-term medication and care.

⚠️ Chennai Is Not Immune

We are now seeing:

• College students dropping out after cannabis-induced breakdowns

• Start-up professionals misusing cannabis as a “creative enhancer” but landing in therapy for burnout, paranoia, and sleep disorders

• Vape pens and edibles being sourced online and consumed without understanding potency

In many cases, families delay seeking help—thinking it’s “just stress” or “a phase.”

By the time they arrive at our clinic, the damage has set in.

🤯 Why It’s So Dangerous

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)—the psychoactive component—is stronger today than it was 10 years ago

• Cannabis affects the dopamine system, which regulates motivation, pleasure, and perception

• Long-term use shrinks gray matter in memory and emotional regulation areas of the brain

• It worsens existing anxiety, depression, or ADHD—despite short-term “relief” feeling

🛠️ How We Help

At Apollo Clinic, Velachery & Tambaram, we’ve developed a structured cannabis recovery plan for young adults, professionals, and families that includes:

✅ Diagnosis and withdrawal management
✅ CBT for memory, focus, and emotional control
✅ Family psychoeducation
✅ Craving management (non-addictive medication)
✅ Sleep correction and lifestyle restructuring
✅ Therapy to rediscover motivation and purpose

We don’t shame. We don’t judge. We help you reclaim your mind.

📞 Take the First Step Before It Gets Worse

If you—or someone you care about—is showing signs of cannabis-related problems, don’t wait.

📍 Apollo Clinic, Velachery & Tambaram
📱 8595155808
🌐 www.srinivasaiims.com

“You thought cannabis would help you escape your thoughts. Now it’s making you afraid of them.”

✍️ About the Author

Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)
Consultant Psychiatrist | Apollo Clinic, Velachery & Tambaram

Dr. Srinivas is known for his firm-yet-compassionate approach in treating substance-induced mental illness. He regularly sees clients recovering from cannabis misuse and helps them rebuild structure, emotion, and cognitive control through therapy, psychoeducation, and family support.