Service users that self medicate using Cannabis

Hi all! I am a third year mental health nursing student and hope to work in the community for future practice. I would like some information and opinions regarding my dissertation proposal.

My title is the following:

"service users that self medicate using cannabis."

I am choosing to focus on adulthood but unsure as to whether I should focus on psychosis or non-psychosis (there are a number of studies that suggest heavy cannabis use in adolescence when the brain has not developed are susceptible to delveloping a psychosis or other mental health problem. The research for developing a mental health condition in adulthood however remains unclear.

I understand that the people in our care are particularly susceptible to developing a co-morbid illness through substance misuse including the use of alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs but my question is why is cannabis a choice of drug? What would the role of the nurse be regarding psycho-social interventions and coping strategies? The stigma regarding cannabis use, the social context and how the media portrays it. I will also consider the addictive properties of cannabis depending on personal circumstances, personality traits and how as a clinician I will educate and empower service users to reduce their use of cannabis and develop more effective coping strategies to maintain better mental health.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Regards