Marijuana and Psychotic Violence

Our mission is to protect families and communities from the consequences of marijuana legalization. One of the most urgent public safety issues we face today is the growing evidence linking marijuana use to psychosis and violent behavior.

The Link Between Marijuana and Psychosis

Numerous scientific studies have shown a connection between high-potency marijuana use and an increased risk of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia:

  • A 2019 study in The Lancet Psychiatry found that daily marijuana use, especially of high-potency products, increases the risk of psychosis up to five times.

  • The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) confirms that marijuana use is associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychoses, especially in individuals who start young or use frequently.

Psychosis Can Lead to Violence

While not everyone who uses marijuana becomes violent, those who develop marijuana-induced psychosis are more likely to act aggressively:

  • A 2020 study in the journal Psychological Medicine found a direct link between cannabis-induced psychosis and violent behavior, particularly among younger users.

  • Research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry (2021) states that cannabis use disorders are associated with homicide, intimate partner violence, and self-harm in clinical settings.

Real-World Consequences

Tragically, marijuana has been a factor in numerous high-profile violent crimes:

  • Nikolas Cruz, the Parkland school shooter, reportedly used marijuana heavily and claimed it affected his mind and behavior.

  • Jared Loughner, who shot U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and killed six others, was a known marijuana user who exhibited signs of psychosis before the attack.

  • Elijah Al-Amin, a 17-year-old boy, was stabbed to death by a man who claimed marijuana-induced psychosis made him fear rap music.

  • and many more

High-Potency THC Is Making It Worse

Modern marijuana is not the same as it was decades ago. Today’s products often contain THC levels exceeding 90%, far higher than the 2–5% THC common in the 1970s–90s.

  • High THC has been directly linked to increased hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and violent outbursts.

A Public Safety Crisis

Legalizing marijuana leads to:

  • Increased availability of ultra-potent products

  • Greater use among adolescents and young adults

  • An uptick in marijuana-related ER visits and psychiatric admissions

  • A growing number of violent incidents linked to cannabis-induced psychosis

AALM’s Position

At AALM, we believe marijuana-induced psychotic violence is a public health emergency. Legalizing this drug invites more mental illness, more trauma, and more broken families. We urge elected officials, law enforcement, and the public to stand with us against legalization.