Emerging Adult Perceptions of Cannabis Use Based on Age and Sex of User

Abstract

In Canada, emerging adults consume more cannabis than any other age-group. This study examined emerging adults’ perceptions of dangerousness, perceptions of negative impacts, and level of disapproval associated with regular cannabis use. An experimental vignette design was utilized to examine the extent to which perceptions differ depending on the age and sex of the user. Participants ( N = 656) were randomly assigned to one of six vignettes and were asked to rate 7 items of perceived dangerousness, perceived negative impacts, and level of disapproval. Significant main effects of age were found on 6 of 7 items, where cannabis use by a 14-year-old was viewed as more dangerous than cannabis use by a 21- and 28-year-old. However, cannabis use by a 21-year-old was not viewed as more dangerous than cannabis use by a 28-year-old. Female cannabis use was perceived as more dangerous than male cannabis use with respect to social life.

Emerging adult perceptions of higher-risk cannabis consumption behaviours

“…Five sets of vignettes were developed based on the LRCUG recommendations and previous vignette research on perceptions of cannabis consumption risks [ 3 , 19 ]. Each vignette depicted a 21-year-old character who consumed cannabis for non-medical purposes.…”

“…Each vignette depicted a 21-year-old character who consumed cannabis for non-medical purposes. Gender-neutral language was used to avoid gender-based biases [ 3 , 20 ]. In each vignette, one independent variable was altered which included: (1) frequency of consumption (once a week, almost daily, or daily); (2) polysubstance use (cannabis and tobacco, cannabis and alcohol, or cannabis alone); (3) method of consumption (smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles); (4) family history (a biological parent with a history of psychosis, a biological parent with a substance use disorder, or no family history of mental illness or substance-related concerns); and (5) potency (25% THC and 0.05% CBD, 5% THC and 10% CBD, or 45% THC and 0.01% CBD).…”

“…Perceived Risk Questionnaire: Perceptions of potential harms were assessed using four items that were adapted from the Perceived Risk Questionnaire which was used to measure perceptions of risk of frequent cannabis consumption among emerging adults [ 3 ]. Each item was measured using a five-point Likert scale.…”

“…Despite the high rates of consumption and risk of harm related to emerging adult cannabis consumption, little research has explored this age group’s perceptions of higher-risk cannabis consumption behaviours. Further, the existing literature on emerging adult perceptions of cannabis consumption suggests that they may not appreciate some of the increased risks associated with cannabis consumption during this developmental phase [ 3 – 5 ].…”

“…The LRCUG provides a strong evidence base in identifying specific higher-risk cannabis consumption behaviours and ways to mitigate potential harms. Previous vignette-based survey research has highlighted that emerging adults may not fully appreciate the risks of frequent cannabis consumption on mental health, cognitive health, or brain development [ 3 , 4 ], nor the extent of the risks associated with driving under the influence of cannabis [ 19 ]. However, vignette-based survey research has yet to explore emerging adults’ perceptions of other higher-risk cannabis consumption behaviours identified in the LRCUG.…”