Exploring Perceived Relationships Between Cannabis Use and Mental Health Symptoms Among Emerging Adults at High Risk for Psychosis: A Qualitative Study

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Cannabis use among emerging adults has reached historically high levels, yet there is growing evidence that cannabis use during this developmental period may exacerbate existing psychopathology and increase risk of developing schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. This qualitative study examines perceptions of how cannabis use impacts psychiatric symptoms among twenty emerging adults (ages 18–24) at high risk for psychosis. Participants completed a survey and semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis revealed two overarching themes: relief-oriented cannabis use (e.g., coping with social anxiety, depression) and negative sequelae from cannabis use (e.g., social withdrawal, exacerbating symptoms of psychosis). These findings suggest that using a harm-reduction approach as opposed to cannabis abstinence may be more realistic and attainable for this population. Also, future interventions are needed that address patients’ perceived inadequacy of psychiatric medications, build social and distress tolerance skills that do not involve cannabis use, and provide psychoeducation regarding dose and potency dependent risks.