Chronic synthetic cannabinoid users showed higher neuroticism, lower agreeableness and extraversion, and greater schizotypal symptoms than both natural cannabis users and non-users.
Psychiatrists, substance use researchers, harm reduction professionals
SC users scored significantly higher on schizotypal personality traits than both comparison groups
What the researchers found
SC users scored higher than natural cannabis users and non-users on neuroticism and schizotypal symptoms (SPQ-B), but lower on agreeableness and extraversion. SC users also had lower conscientiousness than non-users. Higher openness and lower conscientiousness predicted schizotypy for both SC and natural cannabis users.
Why it matters
Synthetic cannabinoids are associated with more severe psychiatric outcomes than natural cannabis. Understanding personality profiles may help identify individuals at greater risk.
The numbers in context
42 SC users, 39 natural cannabis users, 47 non-users. Mean age 26; 23 females, 105 males. SC users scored significantly higher on neuroticism and SPQ-B and lower on agreeableness and extraversion.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional comparison of 42 chronic synthetic cannabinoid users, 39 natural cannabis users, and 47 non-using controls (mean age 26). Assessments included Big Five personality inventory, Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief, depression and anxiety scales.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design; cannot determine causation direction; participants excluded if they had mental disorder diagnoses, which may underestimate psychotic proneness; self-report measures.
How to read the evidence
Small cross-sectional study with self-report measures; cannot determine causation direction.
When this study was published
Published in 2020.
The bigger picture
Whether these personality differences predispose people to use synthetic cannabinoids or result from SC use cannot be determined from this cross-sectional design, but either way they indicate SC users may be a more psychiatrically vulnerable group.
Questions still open
- Do these personality traits precede SC use or develop as a consequence? Would prospective studies show personality changes with SC exposure?
Common questions
Are synthetic cannabinoid users different from regular cannabis users?
What are schizotypal traits?
Read the original research
Personality Traits and Psychotic Proneness Among Chronic Synthetic Cannabinoid Users.
Frontiers in psychiatry, 11, 355
Citation
Cohen, Koby; Rosenzweig, Shiri; Rosca, Paola; Pinhasov, Albert; Weizman, Abraham; Weinstein, Aviv. (2020). Personality Traits and Psychotic Proneness Among Chronic Synthetic Cannabinoid Users.. Frontiers in psychiatry, 11, 355. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00355
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