The Importance of Addressing Cannabis Use in Early Psychosis and How to Do It

Up to one-third of individuals experiencing early psychosis use cannabis and one in four meet criteria for a cannabis use disorder.  Cannabis use is associated with multiple devastating outcomes, including relapse, rehospitalization, increased psychotic symptoms, reduced treatment engagement and medication adherence. Cannabis is considered the most preventable cause of psychosis relapse.  This presentation will disentangle some of the myths and facts of cannabis such as “Is cannabis addictive?” and provide contextual information for how cannabis has changed since legalization of a retail market. The rationale and importance of addressing cannabis use in psychosis treatment informed by the current science will be reviewed.  Best practices for cannabis assessment and consequences will be described including the challenges posed by retail cannabis markets and products.  Motivational enhancement therapy for cannabis misuse, an evidence-based practice, will be presented including specific adaptations for individuals with psychosis.   Participants will also learn specific exercises that can be utilized in practice to increase client’s consideration of change. 
 
Objectives: 
1. Identify the difference between cannabis product categories 
2. Review risk factors associated with cannabis and psychosis 
3. Describe why it is important to address cannabis use in FEP 
4. Identify motivational interviewing strategies for discussing cannabis use with FEP clients 
5. Describe three ways to elicit motivation to change cannabis