A Qualitative Study of Cannabis Use and Family Dynamics Among Youth in Early Psychosis Programs
Journal of dual diagnosis June 16, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2025.2517175 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | Youth ages 20–30 in Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) programs |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Most participants reported that cannabis contributed to tension and conflict with parents because of the risk of worsening psychosis, while some family members enabled use through role modeling, approval, and intra-family consumption. Some participants also described positive effects of cannabis on family bonding and closeness. |
Abstract
Abstract Objective Cannabis use contributes to negative psychosocial outcomes among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) programs and families are crucial to recovery. This study sought to understand how youth in EPI programs perceive their families to influence their cannabis use and how cannabis affects family relationships.
Methods: A qualitative approach and thematic analysis were used to investigate the perspectives of youth ages 20–30 in EPI programs (n = 15).
Results: Participants described parental disapproval toward cannabis use, intra-family consumption, family influence, changing parental attitudes, and increased closeness.
Conclusions: Most participants reported cannabis contributed to tension and conflicts with parents due to risk for exacerbating psychosis, though some family members enabled use through role modeling, approval, and intra-family consumption. Some noted positive effects of consumption on bonding and closeness. Research is needed to understand how parents can support their child’s recovery after cannabis-related psychosis, and prevalence and contributing factors behind intra-family consumption.