Marijuana Psychosis, Delta‑8, and Teen Mental Health — What Parents and Clinicians Need to Know with John Puls, LCSW, MCAP

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/the-holistic-counselor/id1732149496

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssTwH8qi9uw

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TesqwMwiVYTeS0Ns9nMLo?si=a2588b2f57ef4b0e

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.com/

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.com/

• 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-effects/index.html

• Florida Department of Health – Medical Marijuana Program – https://www.flhealthsource.gov/mqa/medical-marijuana/https://knowthefactsmmj.com/

• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Cannabis Research – https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-effects-on-general-physical-healthhttps://nida.nih.gov/search/cannabis%20?sort=_score&language=en

• 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.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-puls-800261123/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/full_life_cc/

Related Episodes

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

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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.