A smartphone application for managing cannabis use

Abstract

Aims: With increasing frequency of cannabis use, especially amongst young people, the ready availability of free and appealing intervention materials is even more urgent. This study aims to assess the feasibility and impact of a consultatively developed smartphone app on levels of cannabis use and related problems. Methods: A single group repeated measures study of n=111 past month cannabis users assessed at baseline for patterns of cannabis use, dependence and cannabis-relatedproblems; exposed to the smartphone app for onemonth; assessed again immediately following removal of app availability; and then assessed again one month later. Results: Of the n=111 participants 64% were male with a mean age of 26.7 years (SD 7.8). The majority were employed full time (76%) and had completed secondary education (89%). They had a mean of 2.3 (SD 2.1) previous quit attempts and 11% had previously attended treatment for cannabis use disorder. Compared to baseline measurement there were significant reductions in number of days of cannabis use, levels of cannabis-related problems post app exposure and self-efficacy to resist cannabis (p< .001) and 1month follow-up (p< .001); significant reduction in level of dependence at 1month follow-up; and significant improvement in DASS scores of anxiety and depression (p< .002). Conclusions: This smartphone app is acceptable to young, male cannabis users and has been found to be associated with reduce levels of cannabis use, dependence, cannabis-related problems and dysphoria following use and in the short term thereafter. This warrants testing in a large randomised, controlled trial to assess efficacy. Financial support: NCPIC is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Health.