Associations between modes of cannabis use in daily life with concurrent and longitudinal hazardous use and consequences

Abstract

BackgroundAs diverse cannabis use patterns among recreational users continue to evolve, little is known about how modes of use may contribute to long-term risk. The current study examined the association between types and number of modes of cannabis used over a 21-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) period with hazardous cannabis use and consequences both concurrently and six months later. MethodsA sample of 155 young adult recreational cannabis users, aged 18–30 (M = 21.1), reported on cannabis use patterns over 21-days, and completed baseline and six-month assessments of hazardous cannabis use and cannabis consequences. ResultsAt baseline, more frequent bowl use was associated with hazardous cannabis use and cannabis consequences. More frequent use of hash-oil was associated with more consequences at six months, while a greater proportion of hash-oil use relative to total use was associated with increased risk for hazardous cannabis use at six months. ConclusionWhile bowl use is characteristic of concurrent problematic use and consequences, only hash-oil predicted increased risk for hazardous use and consequences later. It may be that more frequent use of high-potency cannabis products, such as hash-oil, present unique risks for cannabis problems and consequences.