Crime

The Dark Truth: Marijuana, Psychosis, and Mass Shootings

Published

August 29, 2025

Author and journalist Alex Berenson raised concerns about marijuana use and its possible connection to violent crime during a recent appearance on The Ingraham Angle on Fox News.

Speaking with host Laura Ingraham after a deadly school shooting in Minnesota, Berenson argued that cannabis is increasingly tied to psychotic disorders that can lead to violence. He pointed to evidence from both U.S. cases and international studies that suggest a troubling trend.

Cannabis and Psychosis

Berenson noted that the accused shooter, Robin Westman, worked at a medical marijuana dispensary and wrote in his manifesto about heavy cannabis use. He explained that the drug’s active ingredient, THC, has been linked to psychotic episodes.

“We know that cannabis can cause psychotic episodes in people,” Berenson said. “There’s increasingly strong evidence. When I wrote Tell Your Children in 2019, there was evidence, and now there’s more and more.”

He referenced research from Denmark showing that cannabis use contributes to new cases of schizophrenia. According to Berenson, psychosis — marked by delusions and hallucinations — can raise the risk of violent behavior. While most people with the condition are not violent, he said, some may commit extreme acts.

Evidence From Past Shootings

Berenson also tied cannabis use to several high-profile American mass shootings. He said autopsy reports have found cannabis in the systems of shooters, including Nikolas Cruz, who carried out the Parkland massacre in 2018.

“I can point you to several of the highest-profile mass shootings in the United States in which cannabis use was found in people’s bodies,” Berenson explained. “Over and over you see cannabis.”

By contrast, he argued that alcohol is not as commonly linked to these kinds of crimes. While alcohol often escalates existing violence, Berenson said, cannabis shows up in incidents where innocent people are targeted.

Pushback From the Marijuana Lobby

Ingraham noted that critics often argue alcohol is more dangerous than cannabis. She predicted the “weed lobby” would flood social media with attacks on the idea that marijuana could be connected to mass shootings.

Berenson responded that causation is difficult to prove in any one case. However, he maintained that the pattern across multiple tragedies cannot be ignored.

“In no single case can you ever prove causation,” he said. “But having looked at these autopsy reports, you see cannabis use, you rarely see alcohol. Sometimes you see prescription drugs, but over and over you see cannabis.”

Policy Debate Under Trump

The exchange comes as the Trump administration reviews federal cannabis policy. Regulators and lawmakers have debated whether marijuana should remain classified as a controlled substance or be reclassified to a less restrictive category. Such a move would expand opportunities for the industry to market and sell cannabis products.

Berenson warned that loosening restrictions would carry serious risks. “I hope President Trump understands that we are likely to see more crime like this if there is more cannabis use,” he said. “And I know public safety is important to him.”

Trump’s Position

Ingraham emphasized that President Trump remains skeptical of marijuana legalization. She said Trump understands the dangers drug use poses to young people and has long opposed efforts to mainstream cannabis.

“Legitimizing this, mainstreaming it even more, I don’t think any good is going to come of it,” Ingraham said. She thanked Berenson for highlighting research and evidence that challenge the perception of marijuana as harmless.

A Growing Debate

Berenson’s comments reflect a broader national debate over cannabis legalization. Supporters argue marijuana is safer than alcohol, while critics warn that downplaying risks could have severe consequences. With Trump’s administration expected to make key decisions on drug policy, Berenson said ignoring evidence of cannabis-linked psychosis would be a mistake.

“There is a correlation here and we’re seeing it more and more,” he said.