County health officials warn heavy youth cannabis use increases risk of psychosis, urge prevention and funding
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Summary
Deschutes County behavioral‑health staff told the Board of Commissioners that high‑potency, frequent cannabis use—especially in adolescents and young adults—is linked to higher risk of psychosis and other mental‑health harms. Staff urged broader prevention and flagged Measure 110 funding cuts that will reduce services.
Deschutes County behavioral‑health officials told county commissioners on April 1 that heavy cannabis use among youth and young adults is associated with increased risk of psychosis and other lasting harms, and they urged expanded prevention work as local treatment funding is cut.
The county presentation, led by Behavioral Health Director Shannon Bistaraugus and clinicians from county programs, used national and local survey data and clinical studies to link potency and frequency of cannabis use to negative outcomes. County staff also reported reductions in Measure 110 behavioral‑health funding that will shrink some treatment and outreach services.
Why it matters: Commissioners heard that rising THC potency in commercial products and patterns of weekly or daily use substantially raise risks for new‑onset psychosis and worsening mood disorders in vulnerable teens and young adults. Presenters said that early prevention and school‑based programs can reduce long‑term costs and human harm, but that shrinking marijuana tax revenues are squeezing local recovery and outreach programs.
"The THC content has increased 308 percent," psychiatrist Ann Linton told the board, summarizing seizure‑sample data and local observations of high‑potency products. Sam Murray, medical director for the county’s early psychosis program, said evidence is now stronger than two years ago linking cannabis exposure to later schizophrenia in vulnerable groups: "It is, at minimum, a warning sign," he said.
Local data and prevention: County prevention staff showed national NSDUH maps and the 2024 Oregon Student Health Survey data that place Deschutes County above the statewide adolescent use rate. Jessica Jacks summarized prevention work—parent engagement campaigns, teacher professional development and the Upshift alternatives‑to‑suspension program—and said 13,643 county students had been reached by prevention messaging.
Clinical risks and treatment limits: Psychiatrists outlined clinical effects, including acute anxiety, cognitive problems and, with prolonged high‑potency use, increased risk of psychotic disorders. Presenters noted that while some pharmaceutical CBD products are under study for limited indications, "there is no clear evidence for any use of cannabis to treat any psychiatric illness," and treatment options for cannabis use disorder remain largely behavioral.
Funding squeeze: Staff reported the Measure 110 behavioral‑health resource network award was reduced from about $6.6 million to $5.9 million (about a 14 percent cut), producing a budget shortfall and the elimination of roughly 2.6 full‑time equivalent positions in certain intensive adult services and outreach. Bistaraugus said those cuts will affect outreach in places such as La Pine and reduce nontraditional, in‑community approaches.
Commissioner response and next steps: Commissioners urged broader community outreach and suggested a county‑level press release or public service announcement amplifying the presentation. Multiple commissioners asked staff to return with materials and recommended the county consider advocacy for steady treatment funding beyond marijuana tax revenue. Bistaraugus and colleagues offered to share local resources and to bring updates back to the board.
The board took no formal policy action at the meeting; staff were asked to coordinate outreach materials and consider returning with updated research and funding options.
