Developing a theoretical framework for persistent cannabis use among young adults with first episode psychosis
L. Marino, Samantha Jankowski, R. Kent, M. Birnbaum, I. Nossel, Jean-Marie E. Alves-Bradford, L. Dixon
Early Intervention in Psychiatry May 16, 2021 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13176 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Young adults with early psychosis receiving coordinated specialty care in the United States |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Cannabis use among young adults with first episode psychosis is driven by social normalization, coping with symptoms, and perceived benefits, while non-use is motivated by paranoia, family disapproval, or health concerns. |
Abstract
Cannabis use is common among individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP) and persistent use is associated with worse outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify factors pertaining to onset of cannabis use and persistent use among young adults with early psychosis receiving coordinated specialty care (CSC) in the United States and begin to develop a theoretical framework to drive further study and hypothesis testing and inform the approach to treatment of cannabis use disorder in this setting.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychoactive substances as a last resort—a qualitative study of self-treatment of migraine and cluster headaches Users of online forums discussing cluster headache and migraine treatments | 2017 | Qualitative thematic analysis | |
| Psychoactive drug or mystical incense? Overview of the online available information on Spice products Web pages related to Spice products | 2009 | Qualitative study | n = 200 |
| Patterns, Trends, and Meanings of Drug Use by Dance-drug Users in Edinburgh, Scotland Clubbers in clubs and pre-club bars | 2004 | Cross-sectional survey with focus groups | n = 124 |
| Fascination and Social Togetherness-Discussions about Spice Smoking on a Swedish Internet Forum. Swedish internet forum users who posted reports about Spice intoxication | 2013 | Qualitative study | n = 40 |
| Cannabis as entheogen: survey and interview data on the spiritual use of cannabis. Participants recruited from seven online communities, median age 33, 81% male | 2020 | Mixed methods (qualitative interviews and quantitative survey) | n = 319 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- “One thing we all know we can connect on”: A qualitative study of cannabis use and the social dynamics of young adults with first episode psychosis Psychosis September 23, 2025
- Perspectives toward cannabidiol (CBD) among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention programs: A qualitative study. Early Intervention in Psychiatry January 2024