Motivators for Cannabis Use Among Young Adults in Outpatient Psychiatric Care: A Qualitative Study

• Author: Trisha Arnold,Lacey Craker,Larry K. Brown,Kayla K. Haubrick,Shannon Maj,Elizabeth Olsen,Laura Whiteley,Dylan Hershkowitz
• Published date: 01 July 2021
• DOI: 10.1177/00220426211002125
• Date: 01 July 2021
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/00220426211002125

Journal of Drug Issues

2021, Vol. 51(3) 590 –604

© The Author(s) 2021

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DOI: 10.1177/00220426211002125

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Article

Motivators for Cannabis Use

Among Young Adults in

Outpatient Psychiatric Care:

A Qualitative Study

Laura Whiteley1, Kayla K. Haubrick2, Trisha Arnold1,

Lacey Craker2, Elizabeth Olsen1, Dylan Hershkowitz1,

Shannon Maj1, and Larry K. Brown1,2

Abstract

Cannabis use is prevalent among youth with mental illness, despite the increased risk of

exacerbating psychiatric symptoms. The rapidly changing legality of cannabis has contributed to

its normalization and decreased perceived risks. This study qualitatively gathered young adult

psychiatric patients’ (n=15) perspectives on cannabis to inform a use reduction intervention.

NVivo12 was used to organize coded data and facilitate analysis. Motivations to use included

viewing cannabis utilization as normalized, supported, and a safer alternative to psychiatric

medications. Facilitators for decreasing use were cannabis’ inadequacy at long-term symptom

relief, the negative psychiatric sequelae seen in other users, and moderation of intake.

Recommendations for the intervention included avoiding overly critical content and providing

behavioral skills to aid reduction while improving psychiatric symptoms. Young adults in

psychiatric care have unique motivations for cannabis consumption and decreasing use, which

should be targeted in future interventions.

Keywords

cannabis, young adults, qualitative, psychiatric care, intervention development, harm reduction,

United States

Background

Cannabis use is widespread among young adults and is now the most used recreational drug

worldwide. About 45% of 12th graders and 50% of 18- to 25-year-olds have tried cannabis, and

use among these age groups is steadily increasing. In most Western societies, 15- to 24-year-olds

have higher rates of cannabis use than those aged 25 and older. Of current adolescent and young

adult users, nearly 25% meet criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD) (Wu et al., 2014). Many

young adults believe cannabis to be “natural” and not as harmful as other substances. However,

cannabis use negatively impacts brain functioning, particularly during the transitional and

1Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

2Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA

Corresponding Author:

Laura Whiteley, Residency Training Program, Butler Hospital, Brown University, 345 Blackstone Boulevard,

Providence, RI 02906, USA.

Email: laura_whiteley@brown.edu

1002125JODXXX10.1177/00220426211002125Journal of Drug IssuesWhiteley et al.

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