An unusual case of recurrent cannabis induced flashbacks
An unusual case of recurrent cannabis induced flashbacks

Summary/Abstract: Flashbacks are sudden, involuntary, and vivid memories of past personal experiences. In many cases, these powerful memories are closely linked with traumatic events.1 The association of psychedelic drugs such as Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) or Phencyclidine (PCP) with flashbacks is well documented.2 Although the association of Cannabis with flashbacks is well known, such phenomena are not well documented and its pathophysiology still appears elusive.3 The nosology of Cannabis induced flashbacks in the DSM-54 describes such phenomenon as “Unspecified Cannabis related disorder” which by definition does not meet the full criteria of any specific Cannabis related disorder. The use of Cannabis is considered illegal under federal law, however according to the 2013 surveys of National Institute of Health (NIH), Cannabis use has increased dramatically over the past decade. Although, about 9.5 percent of Americans reported use of Cannabis, 30 percent of users meet the criteria of Cannabis use disorder.5 Cannabis induced flashbacks can be misdiagnosed as symptoms of psychosis. With increasing prevalence of Cannabis use, there is a need to provide mental health professionals with the awareness of this phenomenon. The topic of Cannabis causing flashback is of clinical interest, as well as its prognosis and treatments.

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