A systematic review update found only 3 new studies on technology-based psychological interventions for cannabis use in psychosis patients since 2020, despite the rapid expansion of digital mental health tools.
digital health developers, psychiatrists, psychosis researchers, addiction treatment providers
What the researchers found
Only 3 studies met inclusion criteria from 5,083 screened records. Two quantitative studies showed promising results for internet or VR-based interventions incorporating CBT, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducation on cannabis use frequency and quantity. One qualitative study explored patient and clinician perspectives on using technology for cannabis interventions. Total across original review and update: only 11 peer-reviewed articles.
Why it matters
Cannabis use is highly prevalent in people with psychotic disorders and worsens outcomes. Despite the explosion of digital mental health tools, this population has been almost entirely neglected by technology-based intervention developers.
The numbers in context
5,083 records screened. 3 studies retained. Only 11 total peer-reviewed articles across both reviews. Internet and VR-based interventions showed promising results. CBT, MI, and psychoeducation components.
How the study worked
Systematic review update searching Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMB Reviews for studies indexed November 2019 to July 2023. PRISMA guidelines. Narrative synthesis of retained studies.
What this study cannot tell us
Very small evidence base (3 new studies). Heterogeneous interventions make comparison difficult. Qualitative and pilot studies do not establish efficacy. Publication bias likely.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review methodology is sound, but the evidence base itself is extremely thin with only 11 total studies identified across two reviews.
When this study was published
2025 publication covering literature through July 2023.
The bigger picture
The gap between the rapidly expanding mobile-health landscape and the near-total absence of tools for this high-risk population is striking. People with psychosis who use cannabis often have difficulty accessing traditional in-person treatment, making technology-based solutions potentially transformative.
Questions still open
- Why has this population been neglected by digital health developers?
- What specific features make technology-based interventions effective for cannabis use in psychosis?
Common questions
Are there apps or online tools to help reduce cannabis use in people with psychosis?
Can virtual reality help with cannabis addiction?
Read the original research
Technology-Based Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Decreasing Cannabis Use in People with Psychosis: A Systematic Review Update.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 10(1), 11-17
Citation
Tatar, Ovidiu; Bakouni, Hamzah; Abdel-Baki, Amal; Jutras-Aswad, Didier. (2025). Technology-Based Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Decreasing Cannabis Use in People with Psychosis: A Systematic Review Update.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 10(1), 11-17. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2024.0094
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