Abstract
ObjectiveWe created the Daily Sessions, Frequency, Age of Onset, and Quantity of Cannabis Use Inventory (DFAQ-CU) because the current lack of psychometrically sound inventories for measuring these dimensions of cannabis use has impeded research on the effects of cannabis in humans.MethodA sample of 2,062 cannabis users completed the DFAQ-CU and was used to assess the DFAQ-CU’s factor structure and reliability. To assess validity, a subsample of 645 participants completed additional measures of cannabis dependence and problems (Marijuana Smoking History Questionnaire [MSHQ], Timeline Followback [TLFB], Cannabis Abuse Screening Test [CAST], Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test Revised [CUDIT-R], Cannabis Use Problems Identification Test [CUPIT], and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test [AUDIT]).ResultsA six-factor structure was revealed, with factors measuring: daily sessions, frequency, age of onset, marijuana quantity, cannabis concentrate quantity, and edibles quantity. The factors were reliable, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from .69 (daily sessions) to .95 (frequency). Results further provided evidence for the factors’ convergent (MSHQ, TLFB), predictive (CAST, CUDIT-R, CUPIT), and discriminant validity (AUDIT).ConclusionsThe DFAQ-CU is the first psychometrically sound inventory for measuring frequency, age of onset, and quantity of cannabis use. It contains pictures of marijuana to facilitate the measurement of quantity of marijuana used, as well as questions to assess the use of different forms of cannabis (e.g., concentrates, edibles), methods of administering cannabis (e.g., joints, hand pipes, vaporizers), and typical THC levels. As such, the DFAQ-CU should help facilitate research on frequency, quantity, and age of onset of cannabis use.
Highlights
A growing number of states are moving toward the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes
Perceived risks and stigma surrounding use are declining [1, 2], and the percentage of the population using cannabis is expanding [3]. This is creating a sense of urgency to intensify research on the effects of cannabis in humans. One impediment to such efforts is an absence of psychometrically sound self-report inventories for measuring frequency, quantity, and age of onset of cannabis use
Most investigations of the chronic or residual effects of cannabis in humans have employed valid and reliable measures of cannabis use disorders (e.g. Cannabis Abuse Screening Test [CAST], Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test Revised [CUDIT-R]), and problems associated with use (e.g., Cannabis Use Problems Identification Test [CUPIT])
Summary
A growing number of states are moving toward the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. Perceived risks and stigma surrounding use are declining [1, 2], and the percentage of the population using cannabis is expanding [3]. This is creating a sense of urgency to intensify research on the effects of cannabis in humans. Lopez-Pelayo and colleagues [5] conducted a meta-analytic review that identified 25 instruments to assess cannabis use and cannabis-related problems They identified the CAST and CUDIT as two of the highest performing inventories for assessing cannabis-related problems
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