His introduction to marijuana would mirror that of many teens; new school, new friends, new experience. The problem is that Ryan's experimentation with pot in grade nine would develop into a dependency, and eventually lead to a psychotic break that would have him struggle to regain his mental health.

It may not mimic the scenario most young people have, but researchers have found exposure to cannabis and heavy use during adolescence can lead to psychotic episodes, and worsen pre-existing mood and anxiety disorders.

"Everything in my life I've learned the hard way," says the Hamilton resident. "I learned the hard way about marijuana and psychosis."

Ryan had what he describes as a 'challenging' childhood. Diagnosed in his youth with a learning disability and watching his parents' marriage dissolve, he experienced bouts of anxiety and battled depression all his life.

In 2006 as he entered high school, Ryan welcomed the initial effects of smoking pot.

"I liked the mellow feeling," he says.

But occasional use in his early teens grew to daily use by his early 20s. Following a bad break-up at the end of 2013 the frequency increased considerably. Ryan indulged as often as seven times a day. The dependency on pot continued for over a year when he began displaying manic behaviours:  speaking at a rapid pace, making little sense, and acting 'scatter-brained.'  It was at this time when Ryan had his first psychotic episode. He was with a friend when he experienced a vivid hallucination. Half of his friend's face melted away.

"His face melted like the villain Two Face from Batman," says Ryan. "It was a scary time. It's something I'll never forget."

He was hospitalized at West 5th but left after 12 days, saying he felt better and needed to be with his family. Unfortunately, Ryan wasn't in a good place. A relapse quickly followed. He began hearing voices encouraging him into acts of violence. Once again, he was admitted to hospital.

This time Ryan fully embraced treatment. He began taking his medication regularly, took part in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, group sessions and a men's self-esteem program. He started setting goals for himself, went back to school, got his driver's license and found the powerful benefits of exercise.

"The gym is my other medication," says Ryan. 

Fitness and sports were always a part of his life, but weight lifting and body building have played a pivotal role in his recovery. He started competing and took home second place in his first competition. Although it's an industry blemished by reports of steroid use, Ryan is determined to achieve body building success the natural way. He has no plans to turn to ever use drugs.

"I like where I'm at in my life."

Read more about what St. Joe’s experts are saying about cannabis.