Unusual persistent tactile hallucinations in three adolescent patients after minimal cannabis use

Cannabis misuse among adolescents has become a significant concern, with implications for mental health. While the association between cannabis and psychosis has been extensively studied, less attention has been paid to its potential impact on sensory perception. This study aims to explore persistent tactile hallucinations in adolescents following minimal cannabis use, contributing to a deeper understanding of cannabis-related effects on mental health and sensory perception. Three adolescents (aged from 13 to 15) presented persistent tactile hallucinations after minimal cannabis use. Medical evaluations, including imaging and neurological assessments, were conducted to rule out underlying medical or neurological conditions. All three adolescents reported persistent tactile hallucinations, such as sensations of insects crawling or pinpricks on their skin, following minimal cannabis use. Medical examinations revealed no abnormalities, and urine tests were negative for cannabis and other substances. These cases highlight a unique phenomenon of persistent tactile hallucinations postcannabis use, devoid of observable medical or neurological abnormalities. Unlike typical cannabis-induced psychosis, these cases lacked definitive psychosis or withdrawal symptoms. This suggests a distinctive manifestation potentially linked to synthetic cannabinoids with higher THC concentrations. This study emphasizes the importance of investigating unusual postcannabis use phenomena in adolescents, urging comprehensive evaluation beyond standard psychiatric assessments. Further research is crucial to enhance our understanding of cannabis-related effects on sensory perception and inform clinical care.