Perspectives on cannabis risks and harm reduction among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention programs: a qualitative study
| Date | 13 July 2023 |
| Pages | 668-677 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-06-2023-0064 |
| Published date | 13 July 2023 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
| Author | Amar Ghelani |
Perspectives on cannabis risks and harm
reduction among youth in Early Psychosis
Intervention programs: a qualitative study
Amar Ghelani
Abstract
Purpose –The Canadian government legalized cannabis in 2018 and funded harm reduction
campaigns to educate youth about the risks. Cannabis can contribute to psychosis in vulnerable
populations, and consumptionis common among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI)programs.
The purpose of this study is to understand the views of youth in EPI programs on the risks related to
cannabisand methods to reduce those risks.
Design/methodology/approach –A qualitative design and thematicanalysis were used to understand
the perspectivesof youth in EPI programs (n¼15) towards cannabis risksand harm reduction.
Findings –Participantsassociated D9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)with problems related to cognition,
psychosis,respiration, addiction, motivation,finances, relationships and anxiety.Cannabidiol (CBD) was
believed to be safe and risk-free.To reduce the risks associated with THC, participantssuggested using
in moderation,delaying use, using CBD over THC, accessing legal sources, avoidinghigh THC dosages
and using non-combustiblemethods.
Research limitations/implications –Participants self-selected to participate, were psychiatrically
stableand may not represent youth in EPI programs with more severe psychoticsymptoms.
Practical implications –Assessing risk perceptions, motives for use and perspectives towards the
cannabis and psychosis connection can reveal educational needs. CBD may offer a harm reduction
option for EPI clients wanting to decrease THC intake, though more research is needed and adverse
effects should be explained. Educational campaigns should disseminate the connection between
cannabisand psychosis to facilitate earlyintervention.
Originality/value –This study adds to the literature by highlighting knowledge of harm reduction
methodsand gaps in risk awareness among EPI program youth.
Keywords Harm reduction, Prevention, Cannabis, Psychosis, Early intervention
Paper type Research paper
Purpose
The Canadian Government legalized cannabis in 2018 and earmarked $100m federal
dollars for six years of youth-focused education campaigns through avenues such as
community organizations and music festivals (Canadian Press, 2018). These initiatives and
warnings on product packaging highlighted the potential harm associated with cannabis
use and driving, pregnancy, pulmonary functioning, psychosis and other mental health
problems (Health Canada, 2018). Drug awareness campaigns delivered through mass
media have historically endeavoured to deter young people from consuming mind-altering
substances through broadcasting the risks associated with use (Watson et al.,2019). There
is little evidence to suggestthese campaigns have been effective at preventing problematic
drug use and, in many cases, messaging stigmatized substance users while creating
barriers to treatment (Allara et al.,2015). As part of a more nuanced strategy, the Canadian
Amar Ghelani is based at
Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of
Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier
University, Kitchener,
Canada.
Funding: This research has
been financially supported by
the Canadian Social Sciences
and Humanities Research
Council (SSHRC) and the Hilary
Weston Scholarship.
Statements and declarations:
The author declares that the
author has no conflict of
interest.
Originality: To the best of the
author’s knowledge, this is an
original work, has not been
previously published and is not
being under consideration at
another journal.
PAGE 668 jMENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION jVOL. 28 NO. 5 2024, pp. 668-677, ©EmeraldPublishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 DOI 10.1108/MHSI-06-2023-0064
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