Changes in Cannabis Consumption Among Emerging Adults in Relation to Policy and Public Health Developments

Yousufzai, Susan; Cole, Adam G.; Nonoyama, Mika; Barakat, Caroline

doi:10.1080/10826084.2022.2034873

Cited by 5 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 50 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Studies measuring change in the type of cannabis use reported mixed results, that is, two studies found an increase in recreational cannabis use [ 17 , 31 ] and one found a decrease [ 34 ]; two studies found no change in medical cannabis use [ 29 , 30 ] and two found an increase in use [ 32 , 33 ]. Similarly, studies measuring change in smoking as a mode of cannabis consumption reported variable results, for example, three studies found an increase in smoking [ 5 , 32 , 41 ], two found a decrease [ 8 , 43 ], and three found no change [ 40 , 42 , 45 ]. However, more studies found an increase in other modes of consumption rather than no change or decrease.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, more studies found an increase in other modes of consumption rather than no change or decrease. For example, five studies found an increase in vaping [ 5 , 36 , 37 , 43 , 44 ], and three found no change [ 39 , 42 , 45 ], whereas four studies found an increase in the use of edibles [ 5 , 30 , 35 , 43 ], one found no change [ 45 ] and one found a decrease [ 38 ]. Thus, data about the change in types and modes of cannabis consumption revealed variable findings.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Those who experienced anxiety [ 5 , 6 , 12 , 13 , 29 , 35 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 57 , 74 – 77 ], depression [ 5 , 6 , 12 , 13 , 29 , 43 , 45 , 57 , 62 , 70 , 71 , 74 , 75 ], PTSD [ 55 , 65 ], suicidal ideation [ 78 ], impulsivity [ 65 ], and lower dispositional resilience [ 68 ] were found to increase cannabis use. People who experienced polysubstance/use of substances other than cannabis [ 4 , 47 , 58 ] or substance use concerns [ 79 ] were found to increase cannabis use during the pandemic.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Those who experienced stress [ 5 , 8 , 12 , 35 , 42 , 58 , 61 , 72 , 75 , 80 , 81 ], boredom [ 4 , 10 , 36 , 38 , 41 , 43 , 45 , 54 , 61 , 71 , 77 , 80 , 81 ], more free time [ 33 , 38 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 71 ], disrupted daily routine [ 42 , 80 , 81 ], work from home [ 32 , 72 ], or social isolation/reduced social support [ 5 , 8 , 12 , 17 , 47 , 54 , 61 , 74 , 80 , 82 ] due to the pandemic were found to increase/initiate cannabis use. Those who perceived that cannabis use would not increase their risk of COVID-19 [ 55 ] or those who experienced COVID-19 symptoms [ 32 ] increased cannabis use, whereas those who were at risk of COVID-19 [ 33 ] or perceived more harm due to COVID-19 [ 42 ] decreased their cannabis use. Changes in cannabis use based on the level of public health measures revealed mixed results, with one study reporting decreased cannabis use with easing of lockdown measures [ 17 ] and two reporting increased cannabis use with easing of/lesser lockdown measures [ 47 , 48 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Those who experienced cannabis craving/dependence [ 8 , 39 , 83 ], had easier access to cannabis [ 8 , 61 , 81 ], or had higher stockpile of cannabis [ 80 ] were found to increase/initiate cannabis use whereas decrease/cessation of cannabis use was reported among those who had reduced opportunities to consume cannabis [ 38 , 41 , 42 , 61 , 71 , 77 , 80 , 84 ], reduced access to cannabis [ 4 , 35 , 36 , 77 , 84 ], or lower stockpile of cannabis [ 72 , 80 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Mehra,

Rup,

Wiese

et al. 2023

BMC Public Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting mental health and substance use (MHSU) issues worldwide. The purpose of this study was to characterize the literature on changes in cannabis use during the pandemic and the factors associated with such changes. Methods We conducted a scoping review by searching peer-reviewed databases and grey literature from January 2020 to May 2022 using the Arksey and O’Malley Framework. Two independent reviewers screened a total of 4235 documents. We extracted data from 129 documents onto a data extraction form and collated results using content analytical techniques. Results Nearly half (48%) of the studies reported an increase/initiation of cannabis use, while 36% studies reported no change, and 16% reported a decrease/cessation of cannabis use during the pandemic. Factors associated with increased cannabis use included socio-demographic factors (e.g., younger age), health related factors (e.g., increased symptom burden), MHSU factors (e.g., anxiety, depression), pandemic-specific reactions (e.g., stress, boredom, social isolation), cannabis-related factors (e.g., dependence), and policy-related factors (e.g., legalization of medical/recreational cannabis). Conclusion Public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to significantly impact cannabis use. The pandemic has placed urgency on improving coping mechanisms and supports that help populations adapt to major and sudden life changes. To better prepare health care systems for future pandemics, wide-reaching education on how pandemic-related change impacts cannabis use is needed.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Mehra,

Rup,

Wiese

et al. 2023

BMC Public Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Early substance use disorders and subsequent NEET-not in education, employment or training—a national cohort study

Manhica,

Yacamán-Méndez,

Sjöqvist

et al. 2023

European Journal of Public Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Substance use problems have been associated with poor labour market outcomes. This study investigated whether substance use disorders (SUD) in emerging adulthood increase the likelihood of later being not in employment, education or training (NEET). Methods A national cohort study of 23 5295 males and 227 792 females born between 1981 and 1987. SUD was assessed between ages 17 and 24 years. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of NEET, between ages 25–34. Sibling-comparison analysis was performed to account for potential shared genetic and environmental factors. Results Having been diagnosed with a SUD was associated with the likelihood of being NEET among males [OR = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–1.49] and females (1.19, 1.13–1.27) after adjusting for domicile, origin, psychiatric diagnosis and parental psychiatric diagnosis. Early SUD was also associated with a gradual increase in the ORs of accumulation of years being NEET. This was more evident among females. In the sibling-comparison analysis, we found a higher OR of NEET among same-sex sibling males 1.39 (1.06–1.82) and females 1.28 (0.99–1.66) with SUD. These risks were fully attenuated when another psychiatric diagnosis was adjusted for. Conclusion Early SUD was associated with an increased likelihood of being NEET in both males and females. Neither origin, domicile, psychiatric diagnoses nor parental psychiatric diagnoses did fully explain the association. The combination of unmeasured familial factors and having other psychiatric disorders largely explained these associations.

show abstract

Youth cannabis use in Canada post-legalization: service providers’ perceptions, practices, and recommendations

Kourgiantakis,

Lee,

Kosar

et al. 2023

Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background In 2018, Canada legalized recreational cannabis use with the purpose of protecting youth and restricting access. However, concerns have been raised that this objective has not been met as rates of cannabis use among youth aged 16–24 have not declined. Youth cannabis use is associated with various adverse effects including psychosis, anxiety, depression, suicidality, respiratory distress, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and intoxications. Service providers play a crucial role in addressing youth cannabis use. This study aimed to understand Ontario service providers’ perceptions, practices, and recommendations on youth cannabis use. Methods This mixed method study included a survey and two focus groups. The survey was distributed to mental health service providers serving youth aged 16–24 across Ontario who were given the option to participate in a focus group. The survey included closed and open-ended questions regarding perceptions, practices, and recommendations, while the focus groups explored these categories in greater depth. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze close-ended questions and interpretative content analysis was applied for open-ended questions. Focus group data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The survey was completed by 160 service providers and 12 participated in two focus groups. Regarding perceptions, 60% of survey participants agreed with legalization, 26% had a strong understanding of medical versus recreational cannabis, 84% believed that cannabis has physical and mental health risks, and 49% perceived stigmatization. Less than half of the survey participants reported screening or assessing cannabis use, 16% stated they are highly familiar with treating cannabis use, and 67% reported that they rarely work with families. Subthemes identified in the focus groups under perceptions included normalization and stigmatization, harms for youth, and stigma, racism, and discrimination. Subthemes under practice included cannabis not being the primary focus, challenges with screening, assessment, and intervention, and referral to specialized services. Both the survey and focus group participants recommended increasing public education, enhancing service provider training, improving regulation and policies, reducing stigma and minimization, improving service access, and providing more culturally responsive services. Conclusion Youth cannabis use in Canada remains a significant public health concern, necessitating a more comprehensive plan to protect Ontario youth and reduce associated harms.

show abstract

Changes in Cannabis Consumption Among Emerging Adults in Relation to Policy and Public Health Developments

Cited by 5 publications

References 50 publications

Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Early substance use disorders and subsequent NEET-not in education, employment or training—a national cohort study

Youth cannabis use in Canada post-legalization: service providers’ perceptions, practices, and recommendations

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About