Cannabis & Psychosis: What Every Boomer Needs to Know | Dr. David Wolinsky, MD – Johns Hopkins

In this episode, Dr. Alex Terrazas sits down with Dr. David Wolinsky, MD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and researcher with the Johns Hopkins Cannabis Science Lab. Dr. Wolinsky specializes in Addiction Psychiatry, focusing on Cannabis Use Disorder and Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome.

This is a must-listen for any adult cannabis consumer — especially boomers returning to cannabis after decades away, or trying it for the first time.

What You'll Learn:

• What cannabis-induced psychosis actually looks like — and how it differs from anxiety or paranoia
• How cannabis affects the same brain regions implicated in schizophrenia
• The chicken-and-egg causality debate: does cannabis cause psychosis, or do people prone to psychosis seek out cannabis?
• Why today's high-potency THC products are a completely different experience than cannabis from the 60s, 70s, or 80s
• Which route of administration — smoking, vaping, or edibles — carries the most psychosis risk, and why edibles send a disproportionate number of people to the ER
• The critical drug-drug interactions between CBD and common medications like warfarin
• How to tell if high-CBD or low-THC products are actually safer from a psychiatric standpoint
• What to do if you or someone you know has a bad cannabis episode
• What cannabis use disorder looks like in older adults — and why it's likely underdiagnosed
• Cannabis and neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's
• Dr. Wolinsky's take on legalization, rescheduling, and the future of cannabis research

Guest: Dr. David Wolinsky, MD Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Johns Hopkins Cannabis Science Lab

Connect with Cannabis Boomer: 🌐 cannabisboomer.com 📧 cannabisboomer@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @CannabisBoomer 🐦 X: @CannabisBoomer

2025 marked a pivotal year for cannabis, with a landmark executive order potentially rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, impacting federal policy and patient access. While some states made progress with medical cannabis initiatives, others faced setbacks, leaving the national landscape with 24 adult-use states and 39 medical programs. Despite challenges like oversupply and testing issues, the cannabis industry continued to grow, generating significant economic impact and tax revenue.

The Cannabis Boomer Podcast covered various topics in 2025, including cannabis use for sleep, pain, migraines, and its effects on older adults and pets. The podcast also explored unexpected topics like female sexual function and sleep apnea. Looking ahead to 2026, the podcast will focus on questions surrounding cannabis rescheduling, banking regulations, and the potential for Medicare coverage of cannabis therapies.

#cannabis #cannabisboomer #marijuana #THC #CBD #CBN #medicalmarijuana #cannabisresearch #cannabisnews #2025review #yearinreview #cannabislegalization #rescheduling #Schedule3 #cannabislaw #cannabisindustry #olderadults #seniors #babyboomer #healthyaging #chronicpain #sleep #insomnia #anxiety #migraine #cannabisscience #endocannabinoidsystem #terpenes #edibles #cannabisbeverages #veterinarycannabis #CBDforpets #cannabispolicy #TrumpExecutiveOrder #SAFERBankingAct #cannabistesting #cannabissafety

The Cannabis Boomer Podcast’s top five cannabis movies reflect changing attitudes toward cannabis. The list includes “Up in Smoke” (1978), “Dazed and Confused” (1993), “Easy Rider” (1969), “Pineapple Express” (2008), and “The Nice Guys” (2016). These films capture the evolution of cannabis culture, from its brief moment of mainstream acceptance to its role in counterculture and beyond.

#CannabisMovies #StonerComedyHistory #CannabisCinema #MarijuanaInFilm #CannabisCounterculture #StonerMovieClassics #CannabisFilmHistory #Top10CannabisMovies #MarijuanaCultureMovies #CannabisCinematicHistory

The Cannabis Boomer Podcast’s two-part series explores the top ten cannabis-themed movies, reflecting changing attitudes towards cannabis. Part one covers movies ten through six, including “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle,” “The Big Lebowski,” “Friday,” “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” and “Inherent Vice.” These films, spanning decades, showcase the evolving portrayal of cannabis in cinema and its impact on American culture.

#cannabismovies #stonerfilms #marijuanacinema #cannabisculturemovies #bestweedmovies #HaroldandKumar #TheBigLebowski #Fridaymovie #FastTimesatRidgemontHigh #InherentVice #cannabisfilmhistory #stonercomedy #marijuanalegalizationmovies #cannabiscultureevolution #drugwarmovies #counterculturecinema #1970scannabismovies #cannabisrepresentation #AsianAmericanstonercomedy #Blackcannabisculture #cannabisdocumentary #marijuanaactivismfilms #Reaganerapolicy #cannabisdecriminalization #weedmovierecommendations #cannabisboomerpodcast #cannabiseducation #marijuanaculturedocumentary #JeffBridges #TheDude #IceCube #ThomasPynchon #cannabissocialjustice #drugpolicycinema #marijuanastereotypes #cannabisholidaymovies #top10cannabisfilms #cannabismoviereviews #marijuanapopculture #cannabisconsciousness

Dr. Emily Dufton, author of “Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America,” discusses the history of cannabis in the US. She explains that media portrayals of cannabis have evolved over time, from being promoted as a medicine in the 1700s to being associated with violence and insanity in the 1930s. While Harry Anslinger is often blamed for the negative portrayal of cannabis, Dufton argues that the racialized imagery associated with the drug became more prominent in the 1980s.

Cannabis portrayals in media have evolved over time, reflecting societal attitudes. Initially depicted as a threat to social order, cannabis transitioned to a symbol of counterculture in the 60s and 70s. By the 80s and 90s, it became a comedic trope, and in recent years, it is increasingly portrayed as a legitimate industry.

The normalization of cannabis use is increasing due to its availability in dispensaries and online, as well as its portrayal in media. Despite this, persistent myths about cannabis, such as the stoner archetype and its association with deviating from the mainstream, remain. The stigma surrounding cannabis use continues to hinder its acceptance for medical purposes, despite its potential benefits.

Cannabis Boomer podcast aims to educate users about cannabis and its effects, emphasizing the importance of informed consumption. The information shared is based on current scientific opinion and should not be considered medical advice.

#CannabisHistory, #MarijuanaMediaPortrayal, #DrEmilyDufton, #ReeferMadnessHistory, #CannabisLegalizationTimeline, #StonerStereotypeOrigins, #HarryAnslingerCannabis, #CannabisDecriminalization1970s, #MedicalMarijuanaHistory, #CannabisSocialMovements

Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, discusses the evidence-based science of cannabis, particularly its impact on driving. He emphasizes the importance of evolving the narrative surrounding cannabis to evidence-based policies. Armentano highlights the need to distinguish between THC levels in the body and actual impairment, noting that THC can linger in the system long after impairment has subsided.

Cannabis use, particularly smoking, generally leads to compensatory driving behaviors like reduced speed and lane changes, resulting in a lower accident risk compared to alcohol. However, edibles, with their delayed onset and stronger psychoactive effects, pose a greater risk, and users are advised to utilize a taxi or have a designated driver if they consume edibles. Combining cannabis and alcohol can have synergistic adverse effects on psychomotor performance, making it particularly dangerous.

Rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III would acknowledge its medical utility but wouldn’t address the conflict between federal and state laws. Descheduling cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act is necessary for states to regulate it independently. NORML continues to advocate for cannabis reform, fighting against efforts to undermine existing policies and holding the line to protect the rights of responsible adults and patients.

Cannabis Boomer podcast aims to educate users about cannabis and its effects, emphasizing the importance of informed consumption. The information shared is based on current scientific opinion and should not be considered medical advice.

Primary Keywords: #CannabisAndDriving #MarijuanaLaws #CannabisSafety #THCImpairment #NORMLAdvocacy #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisPolicy #ResponsibleUse #DrivingUnderTheInfluence #CannabisScience

Secondary Keywords: #CannabisReform #MarijuanaLegalization #THCBloodLevels #EdiblesAndDriving #CannabisEducation #WeedSafety #PaulArmentano #CannabisResearch #MarijuanaTesting #DrugPolicyReform

Topical Keywords: #CannabisBoomer #Over50Cannabis #SeniorCannabis #EvidenceBasedPolicy #CannabisAdvocacy #Rescheduling #Schedule3 #CBDSafety #EndocannabinoidSystem #VeteransCannabis

Long-tail Keywords: #HowLongAfterSmokingCanIDrive #CannabisPsychomotorEffects #THCMetabolites #AlcoholAndCannabis #CompensatoryDriving #CannabisVsAlcoholDriving

Migraines, affecting 39 million Americans, are a complex neurological disorder with four phases: prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. The causes are poorly understood but involve abnormal brain activity, nerve signals, blood vessels, and chemical messengers, with triggers varying widely between individuals. The endocannabinoid system, which cannabis interacts with, may play a role in migraines, and clinical endocannabinoid deficiency could be a contributing factor.

Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency, characterized by low levels of anandamide and 2-AG, may contribute to migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Restoring 2-AG levels can alleviate migraine symptoms, while depleting it can induce headaches. Cannabis, particularly strains with higher THC content, may be effective for migraine relief, but it’s crucial to consult a physician and purchase from regulated dispensaries for safety and efficacy.

Microdosing cannabis could be an effective preventative strategy for migraine headaches, though it may not be effective for reversing headaches once they occur. Many clinicians lack formal education on cannabis and its potential interactions with other medications, making it challenging for patients to receive informed recommendations. Researchers face challenges in conducting cannabis research due to its Schedule I status, but there are avenues for obtaining cannabis for research purposes.

The majority of cannabis research still relies on government-supplied compounds, but the field is opening up to include pure forms of THC and CBD. Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would facilitate research but could complicate patient access due to stricter regulations and potential pharmacy limitations. Future research will explore the interaction between cannabis, hormones, and environmental factors like microplastics, as well as the potential for migraines in other species.

Primary Topics #migraine #migrainerelief #cannabisformigraine #medicalcannabis #endocannabinoidsystem #chronicpain #headacherelief #migraineawareness

Scientific/Medical Terms #endocannabinoiddeficiency #anandamide #2AG #cannabinoidreceptors #THC #CBD #pharmacology #neuroscienceresearch #painresearch

Condition-Related #chronicmigraine #migrainewithAura #clusterheadache #medicationoveruse #hormonalheadache #womenshealth #painmanagement

Cannabis Education #cannabiseducation #cannabisscience #cannabisresearch #medicalmarijuana #cannabinoids #entourageeffect #microdosing #terpenes

Audience/Lifestyle #cannabisboomer #over50wellness #seniorsandcannabis #cannabiscommunity #plantmedicine #holistichealth #alternativemedicine

Guest/Institution #UniversityofArizona #DrTallyLargentMilnes #painscience #cannabispodcast

Join The Cannabis Boomer for an interesting discussion with Ruth Fisher, PhD an economist and cannabis technology researcher who published the Medical Cannabis Primer. https://medicalcannabisprimer.com/

#CannabisPatents #CannabisIndustry #CannabisResearch #CannabisTherapeutics #CannabisDelivery #CannabisInnovation #CannabisScience