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GXC 2025 Online Virtual Conference - Mental Health Without Borders

The Rise in Cannabis Use and the Associated Increase in Psychosis Cases: Understanding Risks, Realities, and Responses

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Description

As cannabis legalization expands, clinicians and policymakers face a growing mental health challenge: a measurable rise in cannabis-related psychosis. This presentation examines the complex relationship between increased cannabis use and emerging psychosis cases through biological, social, and systemic lenses.

Participants will explore the multifactorial contributors—including legalization, changing perceptions, increased potency, youth use, and social media influence—and review the latest neurobiological and clinical research linking high-potency cannabis to dopamine dysregulation and psychotic symptom relapse. The session will also highlight the nuances and barriers in accessing effective treatment for cannabis-induced psychosis, including underdiagnosis, stigma, and limited specialized services. By integrating current research with clinical practice, this session equips behavioral health professionals with tools for early identification, education, and intervention within diverse populations.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the current research linking increased cannabis use—particularly high-potency products—to elevated risk of psychosis and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

  • Identify early warning signs and clinical indicators of cannabis-induced psychosis in adolescents and adults.

  • Differentiate between common misconceptions about cannabis safety and evidence-based findings regarding its neurobiological and psychiatric effects.

  • Apply best-practice strategies for screening, education, and early intervention to support individuals at risk for or experiencing cannabis-related psychosis.

Educational Goal

This presentation aims to enhance clinicians’ understanding of the complex relationship between cannabis use and psychosis, integrating emerging research on neurobiology, potency, and psychosocial factors. Participants will gain greater clinical sophistication in identifying, assessing, and addressing cannabis-related psychosis within diverse populations and treatment settings.

Presenters

Dr. Roberto Sanchez is a trained forensic psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, and Nationally Certified Intervention Professional (CIP) with over 33 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field. He is the founder of Axiom Intervention and Case Management Services, where he and his team provide ethical, individualized, and comprehensive care coordination for families and individuals navigating addiction and complex mental health challenges. Dr. Sanchez began his academic journey with an Associate’s Degree in Mental Health from Del Mar College in 1989. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1992, followed by a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi in 1995. In 2003, he completed a non-terminal Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Albizu University, where he later earned his Doctorate in Clinical and Forensic Psychology in 2008. Dr. Sanchez completed his APA-accredited Pre-Doctoral Internship with Citrus Healthcare Network in Florida in 2007, and his Post-Doctoral Internship with the California Department of Corrections in 2009, gaining extensive experience in both clinical and forensic settings. During his early clinical training at Charter Hospital, Dr. Sanchez was mentored by Dr. Carlos Estrada, M.D., a distinguished psychiatrist trained under Dr. Karl Menninger, one of the most influential figures in modern psychiatry and the founder of the Menninger Clinic. This lineage profoundly shaped Dr. Sanchez’s integrative and humanistic approach to clinical care, emphasizing compassion, ethical engagement, and systemic understanding in the treatment of mental health and addiction. Over the past three decades, Dr. Sanchez has facilitated hundreds of interventions across the United States and has worked with thousands of families worldwide. His clinical expertise is grounded in empirically supported intervention models, refined through years of experience in addiction treatment centers, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities, community mental health programs, and private practice across Texas, Florida, New York, and California. In addition to his work as a clinician and speaker, Dr. Sanchez has held executive leadership roles—including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Director—in multiple behavioral healthcare organizations. He has also served as a forensic consultant and expert witness in courtrooms, jury research projects, and Department of Corrections programs across several states. Dr. Sanchez is an up-and-coming national speaker and seasoned behavioral health professional in the behavioral healthcare field. He has presented at conferences, treatment programs, and Universities on topics including managing complex mental health cases, high-acuity presentations, and cannabis-induced psychosis. His work emphasizes practical, evidence-based approaches that support professionals working in demanding clinical environments. Known for his thoughtful, dynamic but grounded style, Dr. Sanchez brings clarity and clinical depth to each presentation, aiming to support ethical and effective care across diverse settings.
Jennifer Sanchez is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Intervention Professional (CIP), and Certified Correctional Healthcare Professional (CCHP) with more than 13 years of experience in the substance use and mental health field. As both a full member and board member of the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS), she brings clinical insight, leadership, and compassion to the advancement of ethical and effective intervention practices. Jennifer began her academic journey studying Psychology and Criminology, laying the groundwork for her work within behavioral health and forensic systems. After earning her nursing license in 2013, she spent six years working in Broward County’s correctional and psychiatric units, developing expertise in crisis stabilization, mental health treatment, and institutional healthcare. In 2018, Jennifer advanced into leadership with a major psychiatric and outpatient services organization, overseeing nursing teams and clinical operations. The following year, she led care coordination at an acute mental health and detox facility, contributing to DCF licensing and JCAHO accreditation initiatives while managing pharmacy compliance and executive-level quality improvement projects. Her experience expanded globally in 2021 when she joined an international medical concierge corporation as a behavioral healthcare consultant, developing personalized care strategies for high-profile and complex cases. In 2022, she partnered with a civil litigation firm specializing in mental health and substance abuse law, conducting clinical assessments and supporting case management for clients navigating both medical and legal systems. Jennifer is widely recognized for her compassionate, family-centered approach to intervention. Whether guiding families through critical decisions or coordinating multidisciplinary care, she offers clinical clarity, empathy, and professionalism every step of the way.

Financially Sponsored By

  • GXC Events - The Global Exchange Conference