Talking About Cannabis: Perspectives of First Episode Psychosis Care Participants and Parents

Objective: Given important links between cannabis use and psychosis, we explored communications around about cannabis use with young people receiving Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) for first episodes of psychosis and parents of such clients. Methods: In individual semi-structured interviews, clients (n = 15) and parents (n = 16) discussed experiences, concerns, and preferences talking about cannabis use, and how such conversations could be more beneficial. Analysis followed Braun and Clark’s six-phase thematic analysis. Results: We discerned four themes toward optimizing communication: (1) Respect for Developing Client Autonomy, (2) “Good Information” about Cannabis and Its Effects, (3) Good Communication Process, and (4) Conversations Complicated by Changing Norms. Conclusions: Analysis revealed agreement between clients and parents about what makes conversations positive, but difficulties understanding each other’s perspectives, and both feeling misunderstood. Interventions that build communication skills, support these difficult conversations, and provide high quality information in non-judgmental ways could support better cannabis discourse.