Abstract
Youth with parents who use opioids are more likely to engage in early substance use, especially cannabis use. The purpose of this study was to describe the context of cannabis use among families affected by parental opioid misuse. We conducted 25 in-depth interviews with families affected by parental opioid misuse. Participants were parents with a history of opioid misuse and young adults (ages 18-24) who had parents with a history of opioid misuse. Interviews were digitally recorded and professionally transcribed. Data were analyzed inductively using a qualitative content analytic approach. Familial cannabis use was common among young people and their parents. Participants described familial cannabis use as a bonding activity that felt safe and lightened the mood. Additional research is needed to understand the complex role that cannabis use may play in families affected by opioid misuse. Strategies for intergenerational substance use prevention are discussed.