T55. ATTITUDE AND PATTERNS OF CANNABIS USE IN A CLINICAL SAMPLE OF PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

Background: Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance globally and the preferred substance of use among patients with schizophrenia. Cannabis use is not only associated with an increased risk of development of psychosis but also has detrimental effects on patients with schizophrenia. Method(s): We conducted a survey on patterns of use among outpatients of Schizophrenia program at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Center. This was a phase I of a larger study and aimed to assess patterns of Cannabis use prior to the legalization in Canada. Research volunteers approached 511 patients in the waiting room and invited them to take the following two surveys: 1) a 33-item investigator-generated questionnaire on details of cannabis use and attitude toward it, and 2) The Cannabis Use Disorder Identification test revised (CUDIT-r) questionnaire. Result(s): Near 40% of the patients approached by research staff, agreed to participate in the study. Of the total 204 participants, 69% were male and mean age was 44.6 years. Life time and current cannabis use was reported as 53.5% and 25.9%, respectively. 45% of current users reported frequency of use of once per week and more. Cannabis users on average spent 157$ per month on cannabis. 25% of cannabis users felt cannabis has positive effects on their mental health, and 13% reported no effect. 41% reported positive or no effect on their function. 10% felt cannabis legalization may increase their use. The majority of participants (80%) was not interested in changing their cannabis use. Discussion(s): This study describes the pattern of cannabis use and attitude toward it in a Canadian sample of patients with schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia have higher rate of and morbidity from cannabis use. Perceived stigma around cannabis use is likely contributing to the low rate of survey participation. The authors will further discuss the implications of these findings in clinical setting.