Vapes caused psychosis for Bay Area teen who tried to ‘fly away,’ lawsuit claims

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A 16-year-old San Francisco Bay Area boy went missing and tried to board a flight in the midst of a cannabis-induced psychosis episode caused by a THC vape pen, according to a newly filed lawsuit.

The lawsuit was filed this week against a popular cannabis company, Stiiizy. The boy, identified as “KG,” thought vapes could ease his stress and anxiety after seeing cool advertisements on Snapchat, attorneys claim. Ads promoted vapes for achieving wellness and relaxation.

KG was a junior at Monte Vista High School in Danville when he started vaping. The lawsuit states, “Vaping was commonplace at (Monte Vista High School) and among teenagers in his community. Plaintiff went from using STIIIZY vape products socially with friends a few times a week, which increased to Plaintiff vaping each morning, ultimately Plaintiff vaping Defendants’
products multiple times per day.”

Instead of improving his anxiety, THC vapes had the opposite effect on KG, attorneys said.

The 16-year-old boy was experiencing hallucinations from Stiiizy products when he snuck out of his parents’ house, stolen his father’s truck, and drove from his home in Contra Costa County to San Francisco on April 20, 2022. “KG put himself in dangerous situations and went missing,” attorneys wrote. During the teen’s episode of psychosis, he became convinced that he was a celebrity rapper.

KG went to San Francisco International Airport where he posed as a famous rapper and tried to board a plane. After he was refused entry, KG went to Cartier and Tiffany luxury jewelry stores still claiming to be a famous rapper. KG eventually became lost, fell asleep, and was found by police officers who called his concerned parents.

The teen’s delusions continued for days and he was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold at John Muir Hospital.

In December of 2023, KG experienced a similar psychotic break and was convinced that a stranger he met at a Concord mall was a record producer. The teen had “grandiose thoughts” and felt compelled to buy cars, jewelry, and “fly away because he was so successful. (His) friends eventually called his family to rescue him from his state of psychosis,” the lawsuit states.

KG was hospitalized, required antipsychotic medications, and underwent addiction treatment in rehab. He has since stopped using cannabis, but remains at high risk of relapse, his attorneys said.

Stiiizy promotes itself as a trendy lifestyle brand using the hashtag “#STAYSTIIIZY” on Instagram and other social media platforms.

“By presenting its products as solutions for stress and anxiety without adequately warning of the risks, STIIIZY has left teens like KG unaware of the potential mental health crises that can ensue,” said attorney Sarah London of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein.

Cannabis-induced psychosis, also known as CIP, “is not a bad high, or a bad trip. CIP is an acute psychological event that can require years of treatment, including the use of anti-psychotic medication. Based on current scientific and medical research, CIP appears to be caused by high THC exposures, which can damage the portions of the brain that allow a person to distinguish reality from delusion,” the lawsuit states.

Vapes are discreet and enable the inhalation of high-potency cannabis oil that is more concentrated than what could be smoked from a traditional rolled joint. Studies have shown that young cannabis users face a heightened risk of suffering psychosis, the lawsuit states.

Attorney June Bashant said, “A young cannabis user who recovers may incur lasting damage to their brain, increasing their risk of mental health issues for the rest of their life.”

“It’s time to hold companies like STIIIZY accountable for its actions and keep more young people from experiencing what this family went through,” said attorney Sandra Ribera, who serves as the family’s co-counsel.

A spokesperson for Stiiizy previously told KRON4, “To be clear, we do not market or sell our products to minors and clearly state on our packaging that cannabis products may only be possessed or consumed by persons 21 or older. We adhere and follow the California mandated packaging requirements that prohibit marketing to minors or any designs or images that may attract minors.”

The new lawsuit alleges that Stiiizy committed negligence, design defect, negligent failure to warn, and fraud. The suit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and demands a jury trial.

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