Earlier cannabis initiation among people with recent-onset psychosis is associated with more severe positive symptoms and greater gray matter volume in a cerebellar network previously linked to schizophrenia. This cerebellar volume increase correlates with lower volume in an insula-temporal-frontal network also implicated in schizophrenia. The findings suggest that early cannabis use may alter the developmental trajectory of specific brain networks, increasing later psychosis risk.
Young people who identify as gender or sexually diverse often face high levels of mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, and self-criticism. An online-delivered supportive group training program called Mindful Self-Compassion can help reduce these difficulties while increasing self-kindness and emotional resilience. Participants described the training as both useful and accessible, pointing to its potential as a scalable mental health support tool for this underserved community.