Associations among trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, cannabis use, and cannabis use disorder in a nationally representative epidemiologic sample.

Abstract

Introduction Research in community and clinical samples has documented elevated rates of cannabis use and cannabis use disorders (CUDs) among individuals with trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is a lack of research investigating relations between, and correlates of, trauma and cannabis phenotypes in epidemiologic samples. The current study examined associations between trauma (i.e., lifetime trauma exposure and PTSD) and cannabis phenotypes (i.e., lifetime cannabis use and CUD) in a nationally representative sample. Methods Participants were individuals who participated in waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (n=34,396; 52.4% women; Mage=48.0 years, SD=16.9). Results Lifetime DSM-IV Criterion A trauma exposure was significantly associated with lifetime cannabis use (OR=1.215) but was only marginally associated with CUD (OR=0.997). Within the trauma-exposed sample, lifetime PTSD showed a significant association with CUD (OR=1.217) but was only marginally associated with lifetime cannabis use (OR=0.992). Conclusions Partially consistent with hypotheses, lifetime trauma was associated with greater odds of lifetime cannabis use while PTSD was associated with greater odds of CUD. Longitudinal research investigating patterns of onset of these events/disorders is needed.

Substantiated childhood maltreatment and young adulthood cannabis use disorders: A pre-birth cohort study

“…However, few studies have controlled for these potential confounding factors and/or covariates. Furthermore, exposure to traumatic events and associated posttraumatic stress disorder may be related to cannabis use disorders (Kevorkian et al, 2015). For example, the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and cannabis use disorders (i.e., lifetime, current and daily) is reportedly persistent even above and beyond the effects of socio demographic characteristics, lifetime substance use disorders, concurrent mental health problems and lifetime traumatic events such as physical assault, combat experience and automobile accidents (Cougle, Bonn-Moller, Vujanovic, Zvolensky, Hawkins, 2011).…”

Daily-level associations between PTSD and cannabis use among young sexual minority women

“…This is concerning given evidence that PTSD is associated with increased risk for substance use, including cannabis, in the general population (Cougle, Bonn-Miller, Vujanovic, Kvolensky, & Hawkins, 2011; Kevorkian et al, 2015) and in the transition from adolescence to adulthood (Cornelius et al, 2010). Indeed, SMW also report high rates of cannabis use (Marshal et al, 2008; McCabe, Bostwick, Hughes, West, & Boyd, 2010; Trocki, Drabble, & Midanik, 2009).…”

The Risk of Legalizing Marijuana as a Recreational Drug in North America

“…Individuals distressed with cannabis use disorders, abuse and dependence are at risk of developing major anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorders, social anxiety disorders, personality disorders, major depression, and possibly alcohol dependence. 7 Adolescents and youth in Norway are prone to coming into contact with the law as a result of continued cannabis use. 8 Such a scenario poses to be a concerning trend.…”

“…7 This study focused on a sample of 34,396 participants who had a life-time of cannabis use, and were trauma-exposed cannabis users. Individuals distressed with cannabis use disorders, abuse and dependence are at risk of developing major anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorders, social anxiety disorders, personality disorders, major depression, and possibly alcohol dependence.…”