Unraveling Cannabis and Mental Health with Dr. Rocco Marotta
Dr. Rocco Marotta, Director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Neuropsychiatric Disorders, recently joined Todd Weatherly on the Head Inside Mental Health podcast for a thought-provoking conversation about cannabis and mental health.
Dr. Marotta shares his personal evolution—from once holding a liberal view on cannabis to adopting a more cautious stance shaped by firsthand clinical experience. He delves into the ongoing debate: while some see cannabis as a helpful remedy for anxiety and pain, others are increasingly concerned about its risks, especially in psychiatric care.
A key focus of the discussion is the dramatic rise in THC potency. Dr. Marotta highlights how today’s cannabis products are far stronger than those from the Woodstock era, with some strains reaching up to 80% THC. This surge in potency presents new public health challenges and puts young people at greater risk, raising urgent questions about substance use in schools and the importance of education in prevention.