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Pharmacopsychiatry 2024; 57(03): 141-151
DOI: 10.1055/a-2264-1047
Original Paper

Perceptions, Experiences, and Patterns of Cannabis Use in Individuals with Mood and Anxiety Disorders in the Context of Cannabis Legalization and Medical Cannabis Program in Canada – A Qualitative Study

Ankita Das
1   Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
4   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
,
Christian S. Hendershot
2   Department of Psychiatry and Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
,
M.Ishrat Husain
1   Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
3   Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
4   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
5   Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
6   Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
,
Yuliya Knyahnytska
3   Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
4   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
,
Sonja Elsaid
1   Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
4   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
,
Bernard Le Foll
1   Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
3   Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
4   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
5   Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
6   Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
7   Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
8   Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, Canada
,
Stefan Kloiber
1   Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
3   Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
4   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
5   Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
6   Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
› Author Affiliations Funding Information Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction and Toronto Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Consortium (TC3) Fellowship Award.
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Abstract

Introduction Perceptions of cannabis as a potential medical treatment for mood and anxiety disorders have been increasing in the context of legalizations, availability, and medical cannabis programs, though current evidence predominately indicates risks and negative effects of cannabis use (CU) on mental health outcomes. This study aims to understand motivations, perceptions, effects, and patterns of CU in individuals with mood and anxiety disorders.

Methods Thirty-six adult patients diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder who were currently using cannabis completed an in-depth qualitative interview on individual motivations, perceptions, experiences, effects, and patterns of their CU. The thematic analysis focused on phases of CU and sources of cannabis products and information.

Results Reported motivations for initiation of CU included curiosity, peer pressure, and dissatisfaction with conventional treatments. Factors such as psychotropic effects and coping with mental health symptoms and insomnia contributed to the continuation of CU. More negative effects, including cognitive dysfunction, worsening of mood, and anxiety symptoms, were acknowledged with ongoing CU. Concerning findings included common initiation of CU before age 18, combined medical and recreational CU, rare consultation of medical professionals on CU, and potential effects and harms.

Discussion Findings indicate individual complexity of motivations, perceptions, and patterns of CU in the study population. The reported potential beneficial effects of specific cannabis products should be further investigated. Findings emphasize patient-provider dialogue on both CU and conventional treatments. Information from this study can contribute to and inform the development of education, prevention, and intervention strategies.

Keywords

perceptions - motivations - cannabis - mood disorders - anxiety disorders


Publication History

Received: 16 September 2023
Received: 16 January 2024

Accepted: 30 January 2024

Article published online:
11 March 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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