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Case Studies | Psychiatry | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 217 - 220 | United States
Acute Psychosis Following Synthetic Cannabinoid (K2) Use in a 16-Year-Old Male: A Case Report
Abstract: Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), commonly known as K2 or Spice, are increasingly used among adolescents and are associated with severe neuropsychiatric effects due to their high potency as full cannabinoid receptor agonists. This report describes a 16-year-old male with no prior psychiatric history who presented with an acute onset of psychosis characterized by paranoia, religious delusions, disorganized behavior, and visual hallucinations following suspected synthetic cannabinoid exposure via vaping. Routine toxicology detected THC but no other substances, complicating diagnostic confirmation. Medical evaluation was unremarkable, and the patient required inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Treatment with olanzapine led to gradual symptom resolution by hospital day 7. This case highlights the diagnostic limitations of standard drug screening and underscores the need for clinical vigilance in adolescents presenting with abrupt psychosis. Early recognition and intervention are essential to reduce morbidity and potential progression to persistent psychiatric disorders.
Keywords: synthetic cannabinoids, K2, adolescent psychosis, substance-induced psychosis, vaping
How to Cite?: Megan Woods, Bryce Tarno, Faheem Arain, "Acute Psychosis Following Synthetic Cannabinoid (K2) Use in a 16-Year-Old Male: A Case Report", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 217-220, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26331070136, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26331070136