New App Aims to Reduce Risks of Cannabis Use in Young Adults with First-Episode Psychosis

Researchers at the Université de Montréal's Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM) are developing a groundbreaking mobile application designed to assist young adults experiencing their first episode of psychosis in managing their cannabis consumption more safely. This innovative project is part of Canada's first nationwide clinical trial, led by Professor Didier Jutras-Aswad, specializing in psychiatry and addiction. The app, named CHAMPS (Cannabis Harm-reducing App to Manage Practices Safely), includes interactive modules and personalized support strategies, all developed collaboratively with young adults, clinicians, and experts. The initial pilot study involved 101 participants aged 18 to 35 who were monitored across six early-intervention clinics in Quebec and Nova Scotia. The main goal is to offer an alternative approach to traditional abstinence-focused care, which may be less effective for this demographic, many of whom are not ready to cease cannabis use entirely. Early results suggest that users find the app acceptable, and there are promising signals of reduced cannabis-related issues. The funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) will enable further research across broader clinical settings. Additionally, CHAMPS is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing mental health care workflows without adding to clinicians' workloads, exemplifying a shift towards more personalized, harm-reduction strategies. The team aims to expand the study to include up to 250 participants over three years, spanning Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Alberta. The approach underscores the importance of destigmatizing cannabis use and tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of young adults, potentially transforming mental health care practices. Furthermore, the app’s design is relevant not only in regions where cannabis remains illegal but also as part of a broader movement to humanize and destigmatize cannabis use in mental health contexts. The research team emphasizes that even when complete cessation is not desired, reducing health risks associated with cannabis is a valuable goal, reflecting a nuanced approach to substance use and mental health.

(Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-cannabis-focus-app.html)