Moon Rock Weed Causes Seizures & Psychosis: Dangers of Potent Marijuana & THC Products

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A potent new form of marijuana (cannabis) called “moon rock” has been connected to a troubling case of psychosis and recurring seizures in a young man with no prior history of mental illness or seizures.

This case highlights the potential risks of high-potency cannabis products.

Key Facts:

  • A 20-year old man with no prior psychiatric or seizure history developed psychosis and seizures after using a new cannabis product called “moon rocks” for the first time.
  • “Moon rocks” are made by dipping cannabis buds in hash oil and rolling them in kief, significantly increasing the THC levels beyond what’s found naturally in cannabis plants.
  • THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes intoxication. Higher THC levels are linked to greater risks of psychosis and seizures.
  • After using moon rocks, the man became paranoid, hallucinated voices, and tried to choke his brother. He later had multiple seizure episodes over the next few weeks.
  • This case adds to growing evidence that highly potent cannabis products like moon rocks may increase risks of mental health issues and seizures, especially in susceptible individuals.

The Dangers of Highly Potent Marijuana

Cannabis use is becoming increasingly common in many parts of the world.

With growing legalization, cannabis products are diversifying, including new forms of highly potent concentrates like moon rocks.

While cannabis has some medical benefits, these ultra-strong products can also come with risks.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the “high” feeling.

THC works by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain, which affects cognition, memory, movements, and pain perception.

Some key risks linked to THC include:

  • Impaired attention, memory and learning – some effects can persist long-term
  • Increased risk of psychosis, especially with early heavy use
  • Increased suicidal thoughts and attempts
  • Seizures, particularly with synthetic cannabis high in THC

Brain imaging studies show chronic cannabis use can alter brain structure and function in areas with many CB1 receptors, like those regulating memory and decision-making.

Adolescent use during critical development periods may be especially damaging.

While CBD, another cannabis compound, shows promise in treating seizures, THC-dominant products like moon rocks may have the opposite effect in some people.

But current research on cannabis and seizures is limited.

Introducing “Moon Rock Weed” – A Concerning New Cannabis Product

Moon rocks represent a relatively new method of cannabis preparation that intensifies the effects of THC far beyond natural levels.

They are made by:

  1. Coating high-THC cannabis buds in hash oil, a concentrated oily extract that can exceed 50% THC.
  2. Rolling the cannabis and hash oil mix in kief, a powder made from detached trichomes which contain the highest concentrations of cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

This process can boost THC levels to over 50%, compared to around 20-30% in modern high-potency cannabis strains.

Such extreme THC concentrations substantially increase intoxication and risks of adverse effects like psychosis and seizures in susceptible individuals.

Despite these concerns, the popularity of moon rocks is growing given their rapid, intense high.

But as this troubling case illustrates, these ultra-potent products can have serious consequences.

Case Study: Moon Rocks Induce Psychosis and Seizures in a Young Man

A 20-year old male with no previous mental health or seizure history recently experienced his first episode of psychosis and seizures shortly after using moon rocks.

His symptoms emerged as follows:

  • Day 1: Smoked moon rocks for the first time and felt extremely euphoric
  • Day 2: Smoked moon rocks again but reacted differently with severe anxiety and paranoia. He tried to choke his brother then cut his wrist with a knife before having a seizure.
  • Day 3: Taken to the ER and had another seizure. Was confused, agitated and hallucinated voices. Diagnosed with moon rock-induced psychosis and seizure.
  • Day 7: Had a third seizure at home despite no further drug use. Started anti-seizure medication.
  • Day 26: Fourth seizure, medication dose increased.
  • 2 months later: No further seizures reported after ceasing drug use and continuing medication.
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This timeline clearly correlates the young man’s sudden psychotic and seizure symptoms with smoking moon rocks, as he had no other medical or substance use history that could explain these episodes.

While he did have a prior concussion and family psychiatric history – both seizure risk factors – the onset directly followed moon rock use.

Brain scans and tests also ruled out other causes like tumors or abnormalities.

This provides compelling evidence that ultra-high THC concentrates like moon rocks can, in some cases, rapidly trigger psychosis and seizures even in individuals with minimal risk factors.

Other Reported Risks Linked to Potent Cannabis Products

This case offers new clinical evidence that highly potent cannabis like moon rocks may precipitate psychosis and seizures in susceptible users.

It supports two key trends observed with rising THC levels in cannabis products:

  1. Increased cases of cannabis-associated psychosis

Several studies report higher rates of psychosis and earlier onset in frequent users of high-potency cannabis.

The more THC consumed, the greater the risk.

Adolescent use is particularly concerning as brain development may increase vulnerability.

  1. More seizures associated with synthetic cannabis

Synthetic cannabis often contains extreme THC levels similar to moon rocks.

Growing reports link its use to seizures, especially in regular users.

But most cannabis-seizure research has focused on synthetics rather than high-potency natural forms.

This moon rocks case bridges that gap.

It highlights the potential seizure risks of ultra-high THC levels regardless of origin – synthesised or naturally extracted.

Moon rocks also demonstrate how new preparation methods can transform cannabis into a harder, more dangerous drug.

Further research is critical to guide evidence-based regulation and safer use.

Expert recommendations on using potent marijuana/THC products

This case raises an important public health concern given the increasing availability of high-potency cannabis concentrates.

Here are some expert tips to reduce your risk:

  • Avoid starting cannabis if you’re prone to mental illness or seizures, especially with a family history. Adolescent use is particularly risky.
  • Be cautious with all high-THC products if you decide to use cannabis – start low and go slow. Overuse increases psychosis and seizure risks.
  • Avoid synthesized cannabinoids and ultra-high THC concentrates like moon rocks – the risks likely outweigh any benefits.
  • Look for balanced THC:CBD ratios. CBD may counteract some THC risks but requires more research.
  • Monitor yourself for adverse effects like confusion, anxiety, delusions or twitching/shaking. Cease use and see a doctor if these appear.
  • Use cannabis responsibly – avoid mixing with other drugs or heavy, risky consumption patterns. Be aware of mental health changes.

While cannabis shows promise medically, cases like this demonstrate the real risks of recreational use, especially with new high-potency concentrates.

Further research and prudent, moderate use are vital to maximizing benefits and minimizing harms as legalization expands access.

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