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Perspectives on cannabis risks and harm reduction among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention programs: a qualitative study

Perspectives on cannabis risks and harm reduction among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention... The Canadian government legalized cannabis in 2018 and funded harm reduction campaigns to educate youth about the risks. Cannabis can contribute to psychosis in vulnerable populations, and consumption is common among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) programs. The purpose of this study is to understand the views of youth in EPI programs on the risks related to cannabis and methods to reduce those risks.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative design and thematic analysis were used to understand the perspectives of youth in EPI programs (n = 15) towards cannabis risks and harm reduction.FindingsParticipants associated Δ−9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with problems related to cognition, psychosis, respiration, addiction, motivation, finances, relationships and anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) was believed to be safe and risk-free. To reduce the risks associated with THC, participants suggested using in moderation, delaying use, using CBD over THC, accessing legal sources, avoiding high THC dosages and using non-combustible methods.Research limitations/implicationsParticipants self-selected to participate, were psychiatrically stable and may not represent youth in EPI programs with more severe psychotic symptoms.Practical implicationsAssessing risk perceptions, motives for use and perspectives towards the cannabis and psychosis connection can reveal educational needs. CBD may offer a harm reduction option for EPI clients wanting to decrease THC intake, though more research is needed and adverse effects should be explained. Educational campaigns should disseminate the connection between cannabis and psychosis to facilitate early intervention.Originality/valueThis study adds to the literature by highlighting knowledge of harm reduction methods and gaps in risk awareness among EPI program youth. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Mental Health and Social Inclusion Emerald Publishing

Perspectives on cannabis risks and harm reduction among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention programs: a qualitative study

Ghelani, Amar
Mental Health and Social Inclusion , Volume 28 (5): 10 – Dec 2, 2024
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References (31)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
2042-8308
eISSN
2042-8316
DOI
10.1108/mhsi-06-2023-0064
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The Canadian government legalized cannabis in 2018 and funded harm reduction campaigns to educate youth about the risks. Cannabis can contribute to psychosis in vulnerable populations, and consumption is common among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) programs. The purpose of this study is to understand the views of youth in EPI programs on the risks related to cannabis and methods to reduce those risks.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative design and thematic analysis were used to understand the perspectives of youth in EPI programs (n = 15) towards cannabis risks and harm reduction.FindingsParticipants associated Δ−9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with problems related to cognition, psychosis, respiration, addiction, motivation, finances, relationships and anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) was believed to be safe and risk-free. To reduce the risks associated with THC, participants suggested using in moderation, delaying use, using CBD over THC, accessing legal sources, avoiding high THC dosages and using non-combustible methods.Research limitations/implicationsParticipants self-selected to participate, were psychiatrically stable and may not represent youth in EPI programs with more severe psychotic symptoms.Practical implicationsAssessing risk perceptions, motives for use and perspectives towards the cannabis and psychosis connection can reveal educational needs. CBD may offer a harm reduction option for EPI clients wanting to decrease THC intake, though more research is needed and adverse effects should be explained. Educational campaigns should disseminate the connection between cannabis and psychosis to facilitate early intervention.Originality/valueThis study adds to the literature by highlighting knowledge of harm reduction methods and gaps in risk awareness among EPI program youth.

Journal

Mental Health and Social Inclusion – Emerald Publishing

Published: Dec 2, 2024

Keywords: Harm reduction; Prevention; Cannabis; Psychosis; Early intervention

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