Psychotic-like experiences with cannabis use predict cannabis cessation and desire to quit: a cannabis discontinuation hypothesis

Sami, Musa; Notley, Caitlin; Kouimtsidis, Christos; Lynskey, Michael; Bhattacharyya, Sagnik

Abstract

Background Evidence suggests that cannabis-induced psychotic-like experiences may be a marker of psychosis proneness. The effect of such experiences on cannabis use has not systematically been examined.Methods We undertook a mixed-methods online survey of 1231 cannabis users (including 926 continued users) using the Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire. We examined the effect of psychotic-like and pleasurable experiences on cessation of cannabis and intention to quit. Socio-demographic variables, cannabis use parameters and substance misuse history were included as covariates. Free-text data explored subjective reasons for changes in use.Results Cessation of cannabis use was associated with greater psychotic-like experiences [p < 0.001, Exp(B) 1.262, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.179-1.351], whilst continued cannabis users were more likely to report pleasurable experiences [p < 0.001, Exp(B) 0.717, 95% CI 0.662-0.776]. Intention to quit cannabis in continued users was associated with greater psychotic-like experiences [p < 0.003, Exp(B) 1.131, 95% CI 1.044-1.225], whilst intention to not quit was significantly associated with increased pleasurable experiences [p < 0.015, Exp(B) 0.892, 95% CI 0.814-0.978]. Whereas former users clearly ascribed cessation to negative experiences, continued users who expressed intention to quit less readily ascribed the intention to negative experiences.Conclusions Elucidation of psychotic-like experiences may form the basis of a therapeutic intervention for those who wish to quit. Cessation in those with cannabis-induced psychotomimetic experiences may offset the risk for the development of a psychotic disorder, in this higher risk group.

Citation

Sami, M., Notley, C., Kouimtsidis, C., Lynskey, M., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2019). Psychotic-like experiences with cannabis use predict cannabis cessation and desire to quit: a cannabis discontinuation hypothesis. Psychological Medicine, 49(1), 103-112. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291718000569

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 12, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Mar 23, 2018
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Deposit Date: Jul 6, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 6, 2020
• Journal: Psychological Medicine
• Print ISSN: 0033-2917
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-8978
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 49
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 103-112
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291718000569
• Keywords: Applied Psychology; Psychiatry and Mental health; Cannabis; cessation; discontinuation; marjiuana; pattern of use; psychosis risk; psychotic-like experiences
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4752629
• Publisher URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/psychoticlike-experiences-with-cannabis-use-predict-cannabis-cessation-and-desire-to-quit-a-cannabis-discontinuation-hypothesis/9D2DB38D5AB2583037569E8C9AC6265A
• Additional Information: Sami, M., Notley, C., Kouimtsidis, C., Lynskey, M., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2019). Psychotic-like experiences with cannabis use predict cannabis cessation and desire to quit: A cannabis discontinuation hypothesis. Psychological Medicine, 49(1), 103-112. doi:10.1017/S0033291718000569