Are Cannabis Expectancies Related to Subjective Drug Experiences and Schizotypy?

Abstract

Objective: There is an established literature on cannabis expectancies and how these relate to patterns of cannabis use and clinical outcomes. However increasingly we are becoming interested in how cannabis expectancies shape the subjective experiences people have during drug use, and vice versa. Here we present data reporting how cannabis expectancies relate to subjective experiences after cannabis. Additionally we will determine whether an index of psychosis proneness (schizotypy) is related to cannabis expectancies. Method: A sample of recreational cannabis users (n=137) completed the brief Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, the Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire and the Marijuana Effects Expectancy Questionnaire. Results: Cannabis expectancies correlated with the subjective experiences reported in the immediate high from cannabis. However, only Cognitive and Behavioural Impairment expectancies were correlated with after effects from cannabis. There were no significant correlations between schizotypy and cannabis expectancies. Conclusion: Cannabis expectancies are related to the immediate experiences subjectively felt after smoking cannabis. Further research is necessary to determine which clinically significant personality traits shape cannabis expectancies. AbstractObjective: There is an established literature on cannabis expectancies and how these relate to patterns of cannabis use and clinical outcomes. However increasingly we are becoming interested in how cannabis expectancies shape the subjective experiences people have during drug use, and vice versa. Here we present data reporting how cannabis expectancies relate to subjective experiences after cannabis. Additionally we will determine whether an index of psychosis proneness (schizotypy) is related to cannabis expectancies. Method:A sample of recreational cannabis users (n=137) completed the brief Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, the Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire and the Marijuana Effects Expectancy Questionnaire.Results: Cannabis expectancies correlated with the subjective experiences reported in the immediate high from cannabis. However, only Cognitive and Behavioural Impairment expectancies were correlated with after effects from cannabis. There were no significant correlations between schizotypy and cannabis expectancies. Conclusion:Cannabis expectancies are related to the immediate experiences subjectively felt after smoking cannabis. Further research is necessary to determine which clinically significant personality traits shape cannabis expectancies.

Personality Traits and Psychotic Proneness Among Chronic Synthetic Cannabinoid Users

“…This finding accords previous indications for the association between psychotic proneness and chronic cannabis use disorder (25-27, 65-67, 108). The association between cannabinoids and psychosis is well documented and recognized (1,19,33,35,54,(109)(110)(111)(112). Converging data suggests that cannabis use has the potential for inducing psychosis (1,19,33,35,54,(109)(110)(111)(112).…”

“…Converging evidence suggests that the adverse effects of cannabinoids are dosedependent, thus, as the concentration of the CB 1 agonist increases, the adverse effects of cannabinoid-based drugs increase (34,109,110,113). Accordingly, greater cannabinoid psychoactive effect is associated with greater risk for developing psychosis (10,18,19,31,33,35,54,107), and individuals with schizotypal personality are more sensitive to the psychoactive effect of cannabinoids (111,(114)(115)(116). Moreover, several studies have shown that some cognitive and emotional deficits observed in chronic cannabis users are associated with schizotypal symptoms, suggesting that greater schizotypy may reflect a risk factor for the long-term adverse effects of cannabinoids (111,115,116).…”

“…Accordingly, greater cannabinoid psychoactive effect is associated with greater risk for developing psychosis (10,18,19,31,33,35,54,107), and individuals with schizotypal personality are more sensitive to the psychoactive effect of cannabinoids (111,(114)(115)(116). Moreover, several studies have shown that some cognitive and emotional deficits observed in chronic cannabis users are associated with schizotypal symptoms, suggesting that greater schizotypy may reflect a risk factor for the long-term adverse effects of cannabinoids (111,115,116). It is reasonable to assume that the psychoactive features of SC drugs along with the schizotypy characteristics of SC users, which were demonstrated in the current study, may underlie the severe adverse effects that have been associated with SCs, especially the high rates of prolonged psychotic episodes.…”