Risk Of Cannabis Use Research Articles

Unequal cannabis use among European adolescents: the mediating role of perceived access and risk

Abstract Introduction Cannabis use among adolescents is a public health concern, because of its association with the use of other illicit drugs, mental health disorders, and social problems. Most studies show that adolescents from low socioeconomic status (SE) background are more likely to use cannabis, but the causes of SE inequalities remain to be understood. We test whether access and risk perceptions of cannabis use among disadvantaged adolescents explain the SE gradient. Objectives The aim of this study was to measure the mediating effect of access perception and risk perception on the association between SE status and cannabis use among European adolescents in 2019. Methods A cross-sectional, observational, analytical study was conducted, among 16-year-old students, based on data from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Drugs (ESPAD) in 2019. The outcome was cannabis use (experimental, regular, and problematic) and the exposure was SE status (parental education and subjective social status). Mediating variables were perceived accessibility and perceived risk of cannabis use. We used logistic regressions, where the odds ratio (OR) reduction measures the part of the association explained by the mediators. Results Regular and problematic cannabis use was significantly more prevalent among adolescents with a lower SE background (low parental education and low subjective social status, p < 0,001). This relationship remained significant after adjustment for perceived access and risk, and the modification of ORs was of a small magnitude (a non-significant reduction of the association). Conclusions Perceived accessibility and risk showed a weak mediating effect of the association between SE background and cannabis use. Consequently, these factors cannot be considered as major explanations for the higher use among worse-off adolescents. Reinforcing information or imposing stronger barriers in access may not help reduces SE inequalities in cannabis consumption. Key messages • Perceived accessibility and risk hardly explain the association between socioeconomic background and cannabis use among European adolescents. • Reinforcing information or imposing stronger barriers in access may not help reduces socioeconomic inequalities in cannabis use.

Post-legalization shifts in cannabis use among young adults in Georgia-A nationally representative study.

In 2018, the country of Georgia legalized cannabis for recreational use and decriminalized limited possession. This study aimed to assess whether cannabis use increased among young adults (ages 18-29 years) in Georgia after national policy changes and to evaluate whether perceived access became easier after legalization and current risk factors of young adult cannabis use. We used data from the Georgian nationally representative survey administered in 2015 (n = 1308) and 2022 (n = 758), before and after decriminalization. We performed appropriate bivariate analyses and multivariable linear and logistic regressions to assess the following: legalization's impact on cannabis use; perceived difficulty to obtain cannabis; age of first use; differences in use between females and males; and factors associated with current use. Among young adults lifetime prevalence of cannabis use was similar in 2015 (17.3%) and 2022 (18.1%) [Odds Ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.1 [0.7, 1.6], P = 0.726). Annual prevalence (7% in 2015 vs 7.7% in 2022) was also similar (1.1 [0.7, 2.0], P = 0.650). In 2022 it was less difficult to obtain cannabis than in 2015 (0.5 [0.4, 0.8], P = 0.021). The age of first use increased statistically significantly (18.1years in 2015 vs 19.1 in 2022, P = 0.003). In 2022, annual prevalence of use was lower among females (1.9% vs 13.1%; OR = 0.1 [0.0, 0.3], P < 0.0001) and higher among those who gambled (11.7% vs 4.4%; OR = 3.2 [1.5, 6.8], P < 0.003). Males initiated cannabis use at an earlier age (19.1years vs 20.6 for females, P = 0.03), and could obtain cannabis easier than females (P < 0.0001). There was a minimal shift of cannabis use in young adults following implementation of recreational cannabis use legalization in Georgia. Males and people who gambled were at higher risk of cannabis use.

Cannabinoids and the heart-apsychiatrist's perspective.

The partial legalization of cannabis in Germany in 2024 will affect both medical and recreational use of cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, influences heart rate and blood pressure through the endocannabinoid system. Acute and chronic use can pose cardiovascular risks. There is evidence of alink between cannabis use and cardiovascular events such as stroke and myocardial infarction, although studies show conflicting results. The non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) could have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Smoking cannabis poses additional cardiovascular risks similar to tobacco. Given these risks, cardiologists should routinely ask their patients about possible cannabis use and inform them about the potential cardiovascular dangers. The article also highlights the psychiatric risks of cannabis use, including dependence and psychosis, and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between cardiologists and psychiatrists to effectively manage cannabis-related health problems.

Correlates of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder among adolescents with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A)

BackgroundDespite evidence regarding prevalence and correlates of cannabis use (CU) and cannabis use disorder (CUD) in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) in adults, little is known about this topic among adolescents. MethodsData is from the 2001–2004 National Comorbidity Survey–Adolescent Supplement, an in-person, cross-sectional epidemiologic survey of mental disorders. Participants included adolescents, ages 13–18 years, with MDD (n = 354 with CU, n = 70 with CUD, n = 688 with no CU), BD (n = 79 with CU, n = 32 with CUD, n = 184 with no CU), or adolescents without mood disorders (n = 1413 with CU, n = 333 with CUD, n = 6970 with no CU). Analyses examined prevalence and correlates of CU and CUD within MDD and BD groups. ResultsCU was most prevalent in adolescents with MDD followed by adolescents with BD then controls. CUD was most prevalent in adolescents with BD followed by adolescents with MDD then controls. In covariate-adjusted ordinal logistic regression models, within MDD and BD, CU and CUD groups had significantly higher odds of lifetime suicidal ideation/attempts, as well as other significant indicators of clinical severity. LimitationsBased on changes in cannabis acceptance, potency, and availability in the two decades since this study was conducted, present findings may underestimate adverse cannabis associations. ConclusionCU and CUD are both associated with adverse clinical characteristics in a community-based sample of adolescents with MDD and BD. Evidence that risks of cannabis use extend across the spectrum of use is important for adolescents with MDD and BD, in whom cannabis-related consequences tend to be more severe.

Prenatal exposure to alcohol and its impact on reward processing and substance use in adulthood

Heavy maternal alcohol drinking during pregnancy has been associated with altered neurodevelopment in the child but the effects of low-dose alcohol drinking are less clear and any potential safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy is not known. We evaluated the effects of prenatal alcohol on reward-related behavior and substance use in young adulthood and the potential sex differences therein. Participants were members of the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC) prenatal birth cohort who participated in its neuroimaging follow-up in young adulthood. A total of 191 participants (28–30 years; 51% men) had complete data on prenatal exposure to alcohol, current substance use, and fMRI data from young adulthood. Maternal alcohol drinking was assessed during mid-pregnancy and pre-conception. Brain response to reward anticipation and reward feedback was measured using the Monetary Incentive Delay task and substance use in young adulthood was assessed using a self-report questionnaire. We showed that even a moderate exposure to alcohol in mid-pregnancy but not pre-conception was associated with robust effects on brain response to reward feedback (six frontal, one parietal, one temporal, and one occipital cluster) and with greater cannabis use in both men and women 30 years later. Moreover, mid-pregnancy but not pre-conception exposure to alcohol was associated with greater cannabis use in young adulthood and these effects were independent of maternal education and maternal depression during pregnancy. Further, the extent of cannabis use in the late 20 s was predicted by the brain response to reward feedback in three out of the nine prenatal alcohol-related clusters and these effects were independent of current alcohol use. Sex differences in the brain response to reward outcome emerged only during the no loss vs. loss contrast. Young adult men exposed to alcohol prenatally had significantly larger brain response to no loss vs. loss in the putamen and occipital region than women exposed to prenatal alcohol. Therefore, we conclude that even moderate exposure to alcohol prenatally has long-lasting effects on brain function during reward processing and risk of cannabis use in young adulthood.

Perceptions About Marijuana Use in Pregnancy Among Pregnant Users and Nonusers in a State Without Legalized Recreational Cannabis [ID 2683513

INTRODUCTION: Cannabis use in pregnancy is rising. The objective of this study is to compare attitudes regarding marijuana use among pregnant users and nonusers. METHODS: This was a prospective study (IRB #262700) in which a 35-question, anonymous survey was distributed to pregnant patients at outpatient prenatal visits across gestation. Questions included topics regarding marijuana use in pregnancy, perceived risks, and provider–patient education. RESULTS: 408/460 (88.7%) approached pregnant patients completed the survey. Self-reported rate of marijuana use during pregnancy: 11.8% (48/408). There were no ethnic differences in users and the most common age for use was 18–24 years (24/48). 79% (38/48) reported use two to three times weekly or greater. Average response score (Likert scale) for participants using marijuana compared to those who did not to the following statements were statistically significant and positive towards prenatal use: belief that pregnant patients should refrain from marijuana use: 2.31 versus 3.53 (&lt;.001); acceptability of medical marijuana: 3.68 versus 2.82 (&lt;.001); minimal health risk: 4.15 versus 2.96 (&lt;.001); support for legalization of recreational marijuana: 4.58 versus 3.51 (&lt;.001). Lack of counseling on cessation and risk of cannabis use in pregnancy were reported by 82% and 84% of participants with 74% of current users reporting lack of counseling. 54% of users desired more information regarding cannabis-related pregnancy complications. CONCLUSION: Higher-than-expected self-reported marijuana use during pregnancy. Lack of counseling on risks of marijuana use and importance of cessation highlight an important opportunity for counseling and intervention supporting current ACOG guidelines of SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, and treatment referral).

Perceptions of Cannabis Use and Its Benefits and Risks Among Breastfeeding Mothers.

Approximately 5% of breastfeeding women report using cannabis. Little is understood about perceived benefits and risks of cannabis use; thus, this study aimed to fill this gap. An anonymous online survey was conducted from 2018 to 2019 among breastfeeding women (n = 1516) who used cannabis. Data collected included demographics, frequency and timing of cannabis use, perceived effects in infants, and repercussions experienced. Analyses included descriptive statistics; chi-square and t-tests were used to test differences between groups (SPSSv28). A subset (n = 413) left open-text responses about cannabis and its perceived risks and benefits. Content analysis and ATLAS.ti were used for open-ended responses. Two-thirds (67%) of participants were "not at all" concerned that cannabis use while breastfeeding affected their baby. Only 3% attributed symptoms in their infants to cannabis use; symptoms were perceived as positive or negative. Interestingly, 45% (n = 603) altered timing of cannabis use relative to breastfeeding to avoid exposing their infant to cannabis. Most mothers (85.8%) reported no changes in their breast milk supply. Few respondents were investigated by Child Protective Services (6.9%) or arrested (3.8%) for cannabis use. In open-ended responses, three themes emerged about the perceptions of cannabis use while breastfeeding: (1) cannabis preferred to address medical concerns, (2) positive impact of cannabis on quality of life for mothers and their children, and (3) concerns about negative consequences. Breastfeeding mothers who used cannabis reported positive perceptions of cannabis as a safer alternative to medications, yet concerns existed about legal repercussions. Understanding maternal perceptions may be useful in developing successful approaches to counseling mothers about cannabis use.

Abstract 2241: Healthcare underutilization, healthcare mistrust, and quality of life among cancer survivors who use cannabis

Abstract Background: An increasing number of states have legalized the use of cannabis and its derivatives. As a result, marijuana use is expected to increase among cancer survivors. Research shows that cancer survivors use cannabis to manage a myriad of cancer-related symptoms, including pain and nausea. Despite this, there is limited evidence on how cannabis use among cancer survivors impacts healthcare utilization, healthcare mistrust, and quality of life among cancer survivors. Environmental scanning is needed to inform clinical oncologic outcomes as well as the benefits and risks of cannabis use among cancer survivors. Objectives: To examine differences in healthcare utilization, healthcare mistrust, and quality of life between adult cancer survivors who have ever used cannabis and those who have never used it. Methods: We recruited adults with a history of cancer through Qualtrics online panels for an online survey across all the states with different levels of marijuana laws (e.g., decriminalized and/or medical use only, and fully illegal and/or CBD oil only). We assessed sociodemographic, behavioral, psychological, cancer-related, and treatment-related characteristics, as well as quality of life, healthcare utilization, healthcare mistrust, and cannabis use (e.g., types, duration of use, current/ever use). Results: Based on a total of 747 respondents, 395 were eligible and enrolled in the survey. Nearly one-fourth of participants were non-White (n=103, 26.1%), and 240 (60.8%) were female. Two hundred and forty participants indicated they had ever used cannabis (240/395, 60.8%). Of these, 35% (n=84) were current users of cannabis. Compared to individuals who never used cannabis, ever users had greater healthcare system mistrust (t(257)=2.58, p=.01), underutilized healthcare systems in the last 12 months (e.g., “..had a medical problem but never sought any medical attention about my condition” and “…did not come back for a follow-up appointment that my doctor gave me”) (t(248)=2.83, p=.005), and reported worse physical (t(260)= -3.32, p&amp;lt;.001) and emotional well-being (t(260)= -2.36, p=.02). There was no difference between these two groups (ever users vs. never users) for functional well-being (t(260)= 1.08, p=.28). Discussion: The present study provides empirical evidence on differences between cancer survivors who ever used and never used cannabis. Compared to never users, ever users of cannabis had greater mistrust of the healthcare system, underutilized healthcare, and reported lower physical and emotional well-being. Further studies are needed to examine how cannabis use impacts the long-term health and wellbeing of cancer survivors. Citation Format: Sunny Jung Kim, Ghader Dargahi Abbasabad, Viktor Clark, Susan Hong, Vanessa B. Sheppard. Healthcare underutilization, healthcare mistrust, and quality of life among cancer survivors who use cannabis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2241.

A national study of clinical discussions about cannabis use among Veteran patients prescribed opioids

BackgroundThe Veterans Health Administration tracks urine drug tests (UDTs) among patients on long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) and recommends discussing the health effects of cannabis use.ObjectiveTo determine the occurrence of cannabis-related discussions between providers and patients on LTOT during six months following UDT positive for cannabis, and examine factors associated with documenting cannabis use.DesignWe identified patients prescribed LTOT with a UDT positive for cannabis in 2019. We developed a text-processing tool to extract discussions around cannabis use from their charts.SubjectsTwelve thousand seventy patients were included. Chart review was conducted on a random sample of 1,946 patients.Main measuresThe presence of a cannabis term in the chart suggesting documented cannabis use or cannabis-related discussions. Content of those discussions was extracted in a subset of patients. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between patient factors, including state of residence legal status, with documentation of cannabis use.Key ResultsAmong the 12,070 patients, 65.8% (N = 7,948) had a cannabis term, whereas 34.1% (N = 4,122) of patients lacked a cannabis term, suggesting that no documentation of cannabis use or discussion between provider and patient took place. Among the subset of patients who had a discussion documented, 47% related to cannabis use for medical reasons, 35% related to a discussion of VA policy or legal issues, and 17% related to a discussion specific to medical risks or harm reduction strategies. In adjusted analyses, residents of states with legalized recreational cannabis were less likely to have any cannabis-related discussion compared to patients in non-legal states [OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64–0.82].ConclusionsOne-third of LTOT patients did not have documentation of cannabis use in the chart in the 6 months following a positive UDT for cannabis. Discussions related to the medical risks of cannabis use or harm reduction strategies were uncommon.

Cannabis use and cannabis use disorders and their treatment in the Europe.

This paper introduces the special issue on cannabis use in Europe. It describes data on the prevalence of cannabis use in Europe and the more limited data on the prevalence of cannabis use disorders, one of the most common forms of drug problem treated in many countries in Europe. It summarises what research has indicated about the adverse effects of acute and chronic cannabis use and discusses potential health system responses that may reduce some of these harms. These include public education about the risks of cannabis use; screening and brief interventions in primary medical settings; and specialist treatment for cannabis use disorders. It briefly indicates the special issues that may need to be addressed in dealing with the high rates of comorbidity between cannabis use disorders, other types of drug use disorders, and common mental disorders.

Risk and Promotive Factors Related to Cannabis Use Among American Indian Adolescents.

Reservation-dwelling American Indian adolescents are at exceedingly high risk for cannabis use. Prevention initiatives to delay the onset and escalation of use are needed. The risk and promotive factors approach to substance use prevention is a well-established framework for identifying the timing and targets for prevention initiatives. This study aimed to develop predictive models for the usage of cannabis using 22 salient risk and promotive factors. Models were developed using data from a cross-sectional study and further validated using data from a separate longitudinal study with three measurement occasions (baseline, 6-month follow-up, 1-year follow-up). Application of the model to longitudinal data showed an acceptable performance contemporaneously but waning prospective predictive utility over time. Despite the model's high specificity, the sensitivity was low, indicating an effective prediction of non-users but poor performance in correctly identifying users, particularly at the 1-year follow-up. This divergence can have significant implications. For example, a model that misclassifies future adolescent cannabis use could fail to provide necessary intervention for those at risk, leading to negative health and social consequences. Moreover, supplementary analysis points to the importance of considering change in risk and promotive factors over time.

General and Domain-Specific Perceived Risk Demonstrate Unique Associations with Cannabis Use, Negative Outcomes, and Motivation to Change among Undergraduate Students.

College student cannabis use is at an all-time high. Although frequent heavy cannabis use is related to cannabis problems, perceived risk of cannabis use is rapidly decreasing. Yet, it is unknown whether specific domains of risk perceptions (general and domain-specific risk, risk to others and personal risk) are related to more cannabis use or related problems. Thus, among 130 undergraduates who reported past-month cannabis use, the present study conducted secondary analyses to test whether, for both perceived risk to others and perceived personal risk: (1) general perceived risk was associated with cannabis-related outcomes (i.e., use, negative consequences, cannabis use disorder (CUD) symptoms, motivation to change), (2) seven specific domains of perceived risk were related to cannabis outcomes, and (3) domain-specific perceived risk was related to cannabis use frequency. General perceived risk to others was negatively associated with cannabis use frequency whereas general perceived personal risk was positively associated with cannabis-related negative consequences, CUD symptoms, and importance and readiness to change. Greater legal and withdrawal/dependence risks were uniquely related to several outcomes (e.g., CUD symptoms). Participants who used cannabis frequently perceived more personal risk in most risk domains and less general risk to others than those who used infrequently. Findings suggest personal risk is an important component to consider when assessing perceived risk of cannabis use and focusing on both general and domain-specific risks may provide valuable insight for future prevention and intervention efforts.

Health warning labels on cannabis products. What is the best design?

BackgroundHealth warning label on cannabis products has been recently studied, and with the latest trends of regulation around the world, there is a need to determine the most effective ways to apply this strategy. The current study aimed to examine the effects of different health warning label designs (pictorial vs text-only, background color, warning themes) on cannabis products. MethodsAn online experiment study (N=533) was carried out in Colombia with a between-subject design. Participants were randomly assigned to five package conditions: without warning, text-only white warning, text-only yellow warning, pictorial white warning, and pictorial yellow warning. Participants performed an attention task and rated each of the stimuli based on product appeal, perceived addictiveness, harm perception, and interest in trying cannabis products. ResultsPictorial health warnings were generally the most effective. Especially, pictorial health warnings with a yellow background were found to decrease product appeal and interest in trying cannabis products, as well as increase harm perception compared to other designs. The most effective warning themes were mental health, smoke toxicity, aesthetic implications, and traffic accidents. ConclusionThe current study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of different designs of cannabis health warnings. Our results suggest that graphic yellow warnings are the most effective in communicating the risks of cannabis use.

Abstract WP151: Prevailing Income-Based Disparities in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Cardiovascular Events in Young Hospitalized Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder: Insights From a Population-Based Analysis

Introduction: Cannabis use and low socioeconomic status are recognized as distinct risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular pathologies. This observational study aims to investigate the association between income status in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and cardiovascular events among young, hospitalized adults with dependent cannabis use or cannabis use disorder (CUD). Methods: We analyzed young adult hospitalizations (18-44 years) with known CUD from the 2020 National Inpatient Sample. Propensity score-matched analysis (1:1) was used to compare comorbidities, including AIS and cardiovascular events, between the high-income quartile (HIQ) and low-income quartile (LIQ) within the CUD cohort. Results: Out of the young adult admissions, a total of 286,855 individuals were identified as dependent cannabis users. After propensity matching, we divided the CUD cohort into 63,355 patients with HIQ (41.1% female) and LIQ (41.4% female). While both cohorts exhibited comparable ages and racial distribution (&gt;65% white), the individuals from LIQ cohort were predominantly from South (45.7% vs. 27.9%), visiting rural hospitals (13.9% vs. 1.3%), with Medicaid (56.3% vs. 41.1%) as the predominant payer. Additionally, LIQ cohort had a higher prevalence of drug abuse (65.5% vs. 58.4%), tobacco use (24.9% vs. 22.6%), HTN (17% vs. 14.7%), chronic pulmonary disease (13.2% vs. 12.7%), DM (8% vs. 6.6%), and obesity (10.9% vs. 10.0%). Additionally, in-hospital outcomes like AIS (0.5% vs. 0.3%) and MACCE (2% vs. 0.8%) were higher in the LIQ cohort. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of AIS in the HIQ cohort was 37% lower than in the LIQ cohort (OR: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.42-0.96]). (all-p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Higher prevalence of CVD risk factors in the LIQ-CUD group and lower odds of AIS-related admissions in the HIQ-CUD group warrant targeted interventions and policy measures to understand and address behavioral risk of cannabis use by economic status and disparities in MACCE.

Exploring social connectedness, isolation, support, and recovery factors among women seeking substance use treatment

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between social variables, recovery orientation, and recovery capital among a sample of n = 30 women actively seeking substance use disorder treatment at a community-based facility in the Midwest United States. Results indicated a positive association between social connectedness, abstinence recovery orientation (p = .048) and social isolation (p = .010). Social isolation was positively associated with abstinence recovery orientation (p = .004) and negatively related to recovery capital (p = .003). Social support was positively correlated with positive expectancy (p = .030) and recovery capital (p = .033). Further, moderate/high alcohol use was related to lower normal living scores (t(28) = 3.10, p = .004), lower recovery capital scores (t(28) = 4.15, p < .000), and higher social isolation scores (t(28) = -2.53, p = .017). Screening at moderate/high risk for cannabis use was related to lower normal living scores (t(28) = 3.01, p = .005), and lower positive expectancy scores (t(28) = 3.03, p = .005). Finally, screening for moderate/high risk for polysubstance use was related to lower normal living orientation (t(28) = 2.52, p = .018) and recovery capital scores (t(28) = 2.79, p = .009). Current findings may inform strategies for examining social connectedness and social isolation variables in future clinical practice, policy, and scholarship.

Cannabis approval and perceived risk of use among minority U.S. Army Reservists

This study examined how minoritized U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard service members perceive cannabis use amid a continuously evolving societal and legal landscape in the United States. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between cannabis perceptions and race while considering illicit drug use norms, posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology, and current drug use. Non-Hispanic Black soldiers had lower odds of approval for medicinal cannabis use and Hispanic soldiers had higher odds of perceived risk of cannabis use, both of which persisted when considering key covariates. These findings may be partly explained by a confluence of societal and cultural factors.

Distress about social problems and tobacco and cannabis use outcomes among young adults in Los Angeles County

ObjectiveTo examine associations of concern, worry, and stress about discrimination, shootings/violence, and police brutality and exclusive and dual tobacco and cannabis use among young adults. MethodsA prospective, racially/ethnically diverse cohort of young adults (n = 1960) living in Los Angeles, California completed a baseline survey in 2020 (age range: 19–23) and a follow-up survey in 2021. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed on nine variables assessing levels of concern, worry, and stress about societal discrimination, societal shootings/violence, and community police brutality at baseline. Past 30-day tobacco and cannabis use at follow-up was categorized as current exclusive tobacco, exclusive cannabis, and dual tobacco and cannabis (vs never/former) use based on eleven use variables. Multinomial logistic regressions estimated adjusted associations between each factor score (translated to standard deviation units) with exclusive and dual tobacco and cannabis use. ResultsThe EFA produced four factor scores representing concern/worry/stress (i.e., distress) about community police brutality (F1), distress about societal shootings/violence (F2), and distress about societal discrimination (F3), as well as generalized stress about police brutality, shootings/violence, and discrimination (F4). F1, F2, and F3 were associated with subsequent exclusive current cannabis use, with F1 having the strongest association (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.18–1.55), while only F1 (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.27–1.78) was associated with dual tobacco and cannabis use. None of the factors were associated with exclusive tobacco use. ConclusionsYoung adult concern, worry, and/or stress about social problems may increase risk of cannabis use with or without concurrent tobacco use 6–12 months later.

Awareness and interest in cannabis use for cancer management among cancer survivors.

We examined the awareness, interest, and information sources relating to cannabis use for cancer management (including management of cancer symptoms and treatment-related side effects) and determined factors associated with cancer survivors' awareness and interest in learning about cannabis use for cancer management. This was a cross-sectional study of adult cancer survivors (N = 1886) receiving treatment at a comprehensive cancer center. Weighted prevalence and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Among cancer survivors, 88% were aware and 60% were interested in learning about cannabis use for cancer management. Common sources of information to learn about cannabis use for cancer management were cancer doctors/nurses (82%), other patients with cancer (27%), websites/blogs (26%), marijuana stores (20%), and family/friends (18%). The odds of being aware of cannabis use for cancer management was lower among male compared to female survivors (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-0.90), non-Hispanic Blacks compared to non-Hispanic Whites (AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21-0.62), and survivors who do not support the legalization of cannabis for medical use compared to those who do (AOR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.04-0.23). On the other hand, the odds of being interested in cannabis use for cancer management was higher among non-Hispanic Blacks compared to non-Hispanic Whites (AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.04-2.62), and among cancer survivors actively undergoing cancer treatment compared to patients on non-active treatment (AOR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.74-2.91). Awareness of cannabis use for cancer management is high within the cancer survivor population. Results indicated health care providers are leading information source and should receive continued medical education on cannabis-specific guidelines. Similarly, tailored educational interventions are needed to guide survivors on the benefits and risks of cannabis use for cancer management.

Prevalence, reasons for use, perceived benefits, and awareness of health risks of cannabis use among cancer survivors - implications for policy and interventions.

There is increasing discourse on the use of cannabis as a palliative for cancer/cancer-treatment-related symptoms. We described the prevalent reasons for use, perceived benefits, and awareness of health risks from cannabis use for cancer management among cancer survivors. Cross-sectional survey of adult (≥ 18years) cancer survivors from 41 US states receiving treatment at a comprehensive cancer center. Of 1,886 cancer survivors included, 17.4% were current users, 30.5% were former users, and 52.2% were never users of cannabis. Among survivors who currently or formerly used cannabis after their cancer diagnosis (n = 510), the reasons for cannabis use in cancer management were; sleep disturbance (60%), pain (51%), stress (44%), nausea (34%), and mood disorder/depression (32%). Also, about a fifth (91/510) of survivors used cannabis to treat their cancer. Across the different symptoms assessed, over half of the survivors who reported a reason for using cannabis currently or after their cancer diagnosis perceived that cannabis was helpful to a great extent in improving their symptoms. However, of the 167 survivors who reported awareness of potential health risks from cannabis use, the awareness of adverse health risks associated with cannabis use was low: suicidal thoughts (5%), intense nausea and vomiting (6%), depression (11%), anxiety (14%), breathing problems (31%), and interaction with cancer drugs (35%). Prevalence of cannabis use among survivors was notable, with most reporting a great degree of symptomatic improvement for the specified reason for use. However, only a few were aware of the health risks of cannabis use during cancer management. With more cancer survivors using cannabis as a palliative in managing their cancer-related symptoms, future guidelines and policies on cannabis use in cancer management should incorporate cannabis-based interventions to minimize the inadvertent harm from cannabis use during cancer treatment among survivors.

Perceptions and Prevalence of Cannabis Use in Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may use cannabis for relief of symptoms. During pregnancy, however, cannabis exposure may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to determine the prevalence and perceptions of cannabis use in women with IBD. Through recruitment at Mount Sinai Hospital and online platforms such as Twitter, women with IBD (age 18-45) were asked to complete anonymous surveys on demographics, cannabis use, perception of use during pregnancy, and discussing its use with healthcare providers (HCP). Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and compared across groups with the chi-square test. One-hundred and two pregnant patients with IBD were included in this study, 19 (18.6%) reported using cannabis. Current users were more likely to report constant pain in the last 12 months and discuss its use with their HCP. Fifty-three (52.0%) women were unsure of the specific risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy, and only 15 (14.7%) had ever discussed its use with their HCP. Those who had discussed cannabis use with their HCP were more likely to have prior IBD-related surgery, perceive its use unsafe during pregnancy, and be more likely to be using cannabis. Many women with IBD report uncertainty of the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy and the majority have never discussed cannabis use with their providers. With the increasing legalization of cannabis in many jurisdictions, it is imperative patients and healthcare providers discuss the risks and benefits of its use, particularly during vulnerable times such as pregnancy.