Understanding the nature of interpersonal relationships through the interpretations of young female cannabis users in...

Cannabis use has increased markedly in Iran, emerging as the second most commonly consumed illicit substance, with a notable rise among women. Interpersonal relationships play a critical role in shaping behaviors and patterns of substance use. This study examines how young women who use cannabis interpret their interpersonal relationships.

A thematic narrative analysis was conducted in Karaj and Tehran from 2022 to 2023. Twelve young women who use cannabis were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Interview data were analyzed using open coding and thematic analysis to identify key relational dynamics related to cannabis use.

A total of 961 open codes were generated and organized into two overarching themes. The first theme, "A Triad of Dysfunctional Interpersonal Relationships-Father, Mother, and Child,", comprising 447 codes, illustrated how maladaptive familial interactions contributed to the initiation and persistence of cannabis use. The second theme, "Positive and Negative Qualities of Interpersonal Relationships Across Childhood, Adolescence, and Early Adulthood,", encompassed 514 codes and five subthemes. While some participants reported receiving emotional support from peers or family members, the prevailing narrative involved experiences of emotional neglect, parent-child conflict, and the absence of secure attachment figures. These relational challenges were frequently cited as key drivers of the initiation and persistence of cannabis use, employed as a coping mechanism in response to unresolved emotional needs and relational distress.

The findings indicate that early experiences of family dysfunction and unresolved relational trauma substantially shape patterns of cannabis use among young women in Iran. Preventive strategies should include parent-focused educational interventions on emotional communication, family cohesion, and support structures. Additionally, increased access to psychosocial support and counseling services for young women is essential to mitigate risk and address underlying relational vulnerabilities.