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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2018

Musa Sami ,
Caitlin Notley ,
Christos Kouimtsidis ,
Michael Lynskey  and
Sagnik Bhattacharyya
Musa Sami
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Caitlin Notley
Affiliation:
Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia,Norwich, UK
Christos Kouimtsidis
Affiliation:
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, UK Department of Medicine, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
Michael Lynskey
Affiliation:
National Addiction Centre, Addiction Sciences Building, King's College London, UK
Sagnik Bhattacharyya*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Sagnik Bhattacharyya, E-mail: [email protected]
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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.

Keywords

Cannabiscessationdiscontinuationmarijuanapattern of usepsychosis riskpsychotic-like experiences
Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 49 , Issue 1 , January 2019 , pp. 103 - 112
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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