Youth in early psychosis programs described cannabis as both a source of family conflict due to psychosis risk and, paradoxically, a bonding experience with some family members who use it themselves.
Early psychosis intervention clinicians, family therapists, and youth mental health professionals.
What the researchers found
Participants described five themes: parental disapproval driven by psychosis concerns, intra-family cannabis consumption, family influence on use patterns, changing parental attitudes over time, and increased closeness with family members who also use cannabis.
Why it matters
Family dynamics around cannabis use in psychosis are more complex than simple prohibition narratives suggest. When family members themselves use cannabis while discouraging the patient's use, it creates contradictory messages that complicate recovery.
The numbers in context
15 participants aged 20-30 in EPI programs. Five themes identified. Most reported cannabis contributed to family tension, but some noted positive effects on bonding.
How the study worked
Qualitative study using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 15 youth ages 20-30 enrolled in Early Psychosis Intervention programs.
What this study cannot tell us
Small purposive sample from EPI programs. Self-selected participants willing to discuss cannabis and family dynamics. No verification of reported family cannabis use patterns.
How to read the evidence
Small qualitative study providing rich descriptive data on an understudied phenomenon, but limited generalizability.
When this study was published
2025 publication.
The bigger picture
Early psychosis programs emphasize reducing cannabis use due to its association with relapse. But when cannabis is normalized within families, patients receive mixed messages that standard clinical approaches may not address.
Questions still open
- How should early psychosis programs address intra-family cannabis use?
- Does family cannabis use undermine clinical recommendations for patients to abstain?
Common questions
Why is cannabis especially risky for people with psychosis?
How common is family cannabis use in this context?
Read the original research
A Qualitative Study of Cannabis Use and Family Dynamics Among Youth in Early Psychosis Programs.
Journal of dual diagnosis, 21(3), 204-211
Citation
Ghelani, Amar. (2025). A Qualitative Study of Cannabis Use and Family Dynamics Among Youth in Early Psychosis Programs.. Journal of dual diagnosis, 21(3), 204-211. https://doi.org/10.1080/15504263.2025.2517175
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