“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 DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2025.2560848 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | Young adults aged 20–30 with first-episode psychosis who use cannabis and do not wish to abstain |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Participants reported that peers were pivotal during early cannabis use, that consumption facilitated community among users, and that many adopted a socially informed "stoner identity"; cannabis had a positive effect on peer relationships and was important to friendships, though some noted a shift from social to solitary use. The authors argue clinicians should enquire about links between cannabis, friendships, community, and identity while supporting young adults in navigating social pressures that maintain use. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Cannabis consumption is common among young adults with First Episode Psychosis (FEP). Mental health professionals tend to discourage its use due to concerns around symptom exacerbation and negative social outcomes. However, young adults report using cannabis for social and relational enhancement purposes. This study investigates the social aspects of cannabis use in service users with FEP who do not wish to abstain, to inform engagement and harm reduction efforts.
Method: A qualitative design and thematic analysis were utilized to examine the views of young adults with FEP (n = 15) towards the connections between peer groups and cannabis consumption.
Results: Participants were 20–30 years old and reported that peers were pivotal during early cannabis use, consumption facilitated community among users, and many adopted a socially informed “stoner identity”. Cannabis had a positive effect on peer relationships and it was important to friendships, though some noted a shift from social to solitary use.
Discussion: Clinicians should enquire about the links between cannabis consumption, friendships, community, and identity while supporting young adults in navigating social pressures that maintain use. Alternative activities that provide enjoyment, acceptance, commonality, confidence, and relaxation must be explored. Treatment should support young adults towards meaningful identity formation.
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
Cites 6
- Perspectives on cannabis risks and harm reduction among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention programs: a qualitative study Mental Health and Social Inclusion December 2, 2024
- Recommendations for Reducing the Risk of Cannabis Use-Related Adverse Psychosis Outcomes: A Public Mental Health-Oriented Evidence Review Journal of dual diagnosis July 3, 2023
- Motivations for cannabis use in youth with first episode psychosis: a scoping review Psychosis November 12, 2021
- Developing a theoretical framework for persistent cannabis use among young adults with first episode psychosis Early Intervention in Psychiatry May 16, 2021
- Symptomatology and neurocognition among first-episode psychosis patients with and without cannabis use in the three months prior to first hospitalization. Schizophrenia Research January 9, 2021
and 1 more in the library