Exploring Perceived Relationships Between Cannabis Use and Mental Health Symptoms Among Emerging Adults at High Risk for Psychosis: A Qualitative Study
Kayla K. Giorlando, Jennifer E. Merrill, Ethan Moitra, Elizabeth M. Olsen, T. Arnold, Avery Leigland, Julie Hugunin, Ana M. Abrantes, Laura Whiteley
Emerging Adulthood October 19, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/21676968261499756 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Emerging adults ages 18–24 at high risk for psychosis |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key findings | Participants described cannabis use both as relief-oriented coping (for social anxiety and depression) and as producing negative sequelae (social withdrawal, exacerbating psychosis symptoms). The authors argue that harm reduction may be more realistic and attainable than cannabis abstinence for this population, and recommend interventions addressing perceived inadequacy of psychiatric medications, non-cannabis social and distress tolerance skills, and psychoeducation on dose- and potency-dependent risks. |
Abstract
Cannabis use among emerging adults has reached historically high levels, yet there is growing evidence that cannabis use during this developmental period may exacerbate existing psychopathology and increase risk of developing schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. This qualitative study examines perceptions of how cannabis use impacts psychiatric symptoms among twenty emerging adults (ages 18–24) at high risk for psychosis. Participants completed a survey and semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis revealed two overarching themes: relief-oriented cannabis use (e.g., coping with social anxiety, depression) and negative sequelae from cannabis use (e.g., social withdrawal, exacerbating symptoms of psychosis). These findings suggest that using a harm-reduction approach as opposed to cannabis abstinence may be more realistic and attainable for this population. Also, future interventions are needed that address patients’ perceived inadequacy of psychiatric medications, build social and distress tolerance skills that do not involve cannabis use, and provide psychoeducation regarding dose and potency dependent risks.
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 2
- Rates and correlates of cannabis-associated psychotic symptoms in over 230,000 people who use cannabis Translational Psychiatry September 6, 2022
- 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