Marijuana Psychosis, Delta‑8, and Teen Mental Health — What Parents and Clinicians Need to Know.

Описание: Marijuana today is not the same as it was decades ago. In this critical episode, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS, sits down with John Puls, LCSW, MCAP—addiction expert, professor, and co‑founder of Full Life Comprehensive Care—to unpack the rising crisis of THC‑induced psychosis in teens and young adults.

Drawing from both professional and personal experience, Diana shares her journey from teenage marijuana use in Broward County to her later trial with medical marijuana—and how it affected her mental health. Together, they break down the difference between traditional cannabis and today’s lab‑altered THC concentrates, including Delta‑8, dabs, vapes, and edibles.

Whether you’re a parent, clinician, teacher, or someone navigating your own recovery, this episode offers essential education, compassion, and real‑world tools to protect the next generation.

Listen Now
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

YouTube:    • Healing Your Money Story: Emotional Spendi...  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TesqwM...

About the Guest – John Puls, LCSW, MCAP
John Puls is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Master’s Certified Addiction Professional. He is the Co‑Founder and COO of Full Life Comprehensive Care in South Florida, an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, and an expert witness for legal cases involving substance use, addiction facilities, and mental health.

Specialties include:

Substance use disorders & co‑occurring mental health disorders

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Motivational Interviewing

Family Systems Therapy & Trauma‑Informed Care

Forensic reviews & expert witness consulting

Learn more at https://full-life-comprehensive-care....

What We Discuss
Diana’s personal story: from early marijuana use to medical THC and recovery

The difference between old‑school cannabis and today’s high‑potency THC products

What cannabis‑induced psychosis looks like and why it’s often misdiagnosed as schizophrenia

How vaping and concentrates drastically raise risk for teens

The neurological impact of THC on the developing brain

How clinicians can respond even if they don’t specialize in substance use

Educating parents, teachers, and communities without shame or fear

Preventing clinician burnout while working with complex cases

The role of early prevention and informed consent in schools and homes

Practical tools and resources for healing, regulation, and resilience

Mentioned Resources & References
Full Life Comprehensive Care – https://full-life-comprehensive-care....

Every Brain Matters – https://everybrainmatters.org/

Johnny’s Ambassadors – https://johnnysambassadors.org/

SAMHSA (Marijuana & Mental Health) – https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana

CDC Marijuana Health Advisory – https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-...

Florida Department of Health – Medical Marijuana Program – https://www.flhealthsource.gov/mqa/me...

National Institute on Drug Abuse – Cannabis Research – https://nida.nih.gov/publications/res...

Episode 88 with Mark Astor

Key Quotes
“Some of these kids get Baker Acted and come out with a schizophrenia diagnosis—but what they’re really experiencing is a substance‑induced psychotic episode.” — John Puls

“I tried medical marijuana thinking I was doing something holistic—and instead, I became more anxious, detached, and dysregulated.” — Diana S. Rice, LMHC

“Parents don’t realize—Delta‑8 isn’t your backyard weed. These are ultra‑processed, ultra‑potent THC chemicals. One hit can alter a developing brain.” — John Puls

Connect with John Puls
Website: https://full-life-comprehensive-care....

LinkedIn:   / john-puls-800261123  

Instagram:   / full_life_cc  

Related Episodes
Ep 88: Baker Act, Marchman Act & Guardianship in Florida with Mark Astor

Subscribe & Share
If you found this episode helpful:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Share it with a parent, educator, or fellow clinician

Follow and tag: #throughthevalleytherapy #theholisticcounselorpodcast #transformedmindcc

Podcast Mission
The Holistic Counselor Podcast bridges faith, science, and holistic healing—challenging stigma, equipping listeners with tools for growth, and encouraging trauma‑informed conversations across diverse communities.