31st January 2024

Presentation

Features of acute intoxication include anxiety, increased appetite/cravings, dry mouth and impaired cognitive and psychomotor functioning. Some may also experience rarer effects, such as hallucinations, delusional thoughts and acute psychosis. Withdrawal and/or chronic use can result in lethargy, low mood, agitation, loss of interest and motivation and poor concentration/memory. These symptoms can profoundly impact the life of the person affected, making it difficult to maintain relationships, keep employment and engage in formal education. It is important to remember that independent mood disorders can exist alongside cannabis misuse, and symptoms must be carefully evaluated before any diagnosis is made.