New ADAI Publications on Cannabis, Workforce Development, and Treatment Services in Carceral Settings

Here’s what our faculty and staff have been up to lately:

People with psychotic disorders are the most vulnerable to cannabis adverse health outcomes: A study in WA State, USA.

Carlini BH, Williams JR, Garrett SB, Hammond D. Community Mental Health Journal 2026 (in press).

This paper describes a study that compared negative health effects related to cannabis use among people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, people with other mental health diagnoses, and people with no mental health diagnoses. The study found that people with a psychotic disorder experience more harmful health effects from cannabis use, including problems not directly related to their disorder. These results show the need for targeted clinical interventions and education efforts to reduce the higher risks of cannabis use in this vulnerable group.

Exploring THC labelling preferences to communicate the strength of cannabis products: Insights from U.S. consumers.

Dawson D, Hall W, Goodwin I, Carlini BH, et al. International Journal of Drug Policy 2026;147:105076.

This article describes a study of consumers’ preferences for the type of THC information shown on cannabis products in legal markets, like standard units, concentration, or total THC content. Most participants said it was important for product labels to include Standard THC Units (for example, 5 mg of THC), THC concentration (%), or total THC content. These findings suggest that standardized THC labeling, especially using a clear, consistent measure like the Standard THC Unit, could help consumers make better-informed decisions and support safer cannabis use.

There and back again: Continuing efforts via regional partnership to promote workforce awareness of scientific advancements in addiction care.

Hartzler B, Brunner M, et al. Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment 2026 (in press).

This commentary describes the efforts of a workgroup made up of leaders from the NIDA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) Western States Node, the Northwest ATTC, the Pacific Southwest ATTC, and the CTN Dissemination Library. The workgroup aims to help the addiction treatment workforce adopt new scientific advances through two long-standing programs: an ongoing webinar series and a monthly column in the ATTC Messenger newsletter called “Addiction Science Made Easy.” The authors discuss the benefits of this collaboration and outline a dissemination plan to support future efforts and more fully achieve the goals of the CTN.

“You’re doing it because your freedom is on the line”: a qualitative study exploring how people who use opioids and methamphetamine navigate legal involvement and carceral treatment for substance use disorder.

Iacobelli NP, Estrella L, Owens MD, et al. Harm Reduction Journal 2026 (in press).

This paper describes the lived experiences of 20 people who use both opioids and methamphetamine and who have been involved with treatment programs and the criminal legal system. Participants described the legal system as stigmatizing, unpredictable, and difficult to leave, and shared strategies they used to reduce harm and maintain autonomy in carceral settings and in legally mandated substance use treatment programs. The findings highlight the need for policies that ensure reliable access to care and separate treatment from coercive legal control.

Need help getting a copy of any of these articles? Contact Meg Brunner, MLIS: meganw@uw.edu