Attraction to Cannabis Among Men With Schizophrenia: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Cannabis use is common among persons with schizophrenia, particularly among men with this long-term chronic illness. A phenomenological study was undertaken to describe the perceptions of persons with schizophrenia regarding their attraction to cannabis. A sample of 8 men with schizophrenia who were living in the community and who had a history of current or past cannabis use were recruited by health professionals. Data were collected through in-depth interviewing and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was used to analyze the interview data. The findings indicate that cannabis is used as a means of satisfying the schizophrenia-related need for relaxation, sense of self-worth, and distraction. The findings may be useful for nurses working with persons who have schizophrenia, a population that is frequently stigmatized and unheard.