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McCarthy SD, Xiao J, Pugliese M, Perrault-Sequeira L, Myran DT. Changes in cannabis involvement in emergency department visits for anxiety disorders after cannabis legalization: a repeated cross-sectional study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2024; 36:100815. [PMID: 38974381 PMCID: PMC11225812 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Background An increasing number of countries have or are considering legalizing cannabis. One concern is that legalization of cannabis will result in increased cannabis use and in turn a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders. We examined changes in emergency department (ED) visits for anxiety disorders with cannabis involvement in Ontario, over a period that involved medical and non-medical cannabis legalization. Methods This repeated cross-sectional population-based study identified all ED visits for anxiety disorders from residents of Ontario, Canada aged 10-105 between 2008 and 2022 (n = 15.7 million individuals). We used interrupted time series analyses to examine immediate and gradual changes in cannabis-involvement and alcohol-involvement (control condition) over four policy periods: medical cannabis legalization (January 2008-November 2015), expanded medical access (December 2015-September 2018), non-medical cannabis legalization with restrictions (October 2018-February 2020), and commercialization which overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-December 2022). Poisson models were used to generate incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Findings Over the 14-year study, there were 438,700 individuals with one or more ED visits for anxiety disorders of which 3880 (0.89%) individuals had cannabis involvement and 6329 (1.45%) individuals had alcohol involvement. During the commercialization/COVID-19 period monthly rates of anxiety disorders with cannabis-involvement were 156% higher (0.11 vs 0.29 per 100,000 individuals) relative to the pre-legalization period, compared to a 27% increase for alcohol-involvement (0.27 vs 0.35 per 1100,000 individuals). Rates of anxiety ED visits with cannabis involvement per 100,000 individuals increased gradually over the study period with no immediate or gradual changes after expanded medical access, legalization with restrictions or commercialization/COVID-19. However, during the commercialization/COVID-19 period there were large declines in total anxiety disorder ED visits and anxiety disorder ED visits with alcohol-involvement. Consequently, during this period there was an immediate 31.4% relative increase in the proportion of anxiety visits with cannabis-involvement (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.31; 95% CI 1.05-1.65). Interpretation We found large relative increases in anxiety disorder ED visits with cannabis involvement over a 14-year period involving medical and non-medical cannabis legalization. These findings may reflect increasing anxiety disorder problems from cannabis use, increasing self-medication of anxiety disorders with cannabis use, or both. The proportion of anxiety ED visits with cannabis involvement increased during the final period of the study but could have been the results of the market commercialization, COVID-19 or both and ongoing monitoring is indicated. Funding Canadian Institutes of Health Research (grant #452360).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D.S. McCarthy
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Xiao
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Pugliese
- IC/ES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Daniel T. Myran
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- IC/ES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Bradley AHM, Salmon M, Wohl MJA, Howard AL. Impact of Legalization on Cannabis Use, Attitudes, and Purchasing Preferences: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey of Canadian Young Adults. CANNABIS (ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) 2024; 7:65-76. [PMID: 38975596 PMCID: PMC11225976 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2024/000203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Objective The Government of Canada legalized recreational cannabis use in October of 2018 with the implementation of the Cannabis Act. The act aimed to reduce the illicit cannabis market, improve consumer health outcomes, and reduce youth access to cannabis. However, little is known about the attitudes and behaviors of young adults, who have been shown to have a high prevalence of cannabis use, towards cannabis after legalization. Method In this descriptive study, we examined cannabis use, attitudes, and purchasing preferences among Canadian university-attending young adults both before and after the legalization of cannabis. Participants were recruited from a large Canadian university from 2017 to 2021. Results Our findings showed that there was an increase in cannabis use immediately following legalization that subsequently decreased in later years. Additionally, attitudes about the legalization of cannabis became more favorable in later years (following legalization), particularly among those who did not use cannabis. Most young adults were also keen to purchase cannabis from a government-owned store before legalization. However, with the exception of past-month consumers, this preference decreased substantially following legalization. Conclusions The current research adds to the knowledge base about changes in cannabis-related attitudes and use after legalization and focuses on a key population - young adults.
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Weidberg S, González-Roz A, Castaño Y, Secades-Villa R. Emotion dysregulation in relation to cannabis use and mental health among young adults. Addict Behav 2023; 144:107757. [PMID: 37224581 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotion dysregulation (ED) is a transdiagnostic variable that accounts for the onset and maintenance of mental health disorders. The interplay between ED, cannabis use and mental health has not been appraised in the young adult population and whether there are sex-dependent effects has yet to be examined. This study looked at whether ED mediates the association between past-month cannabis use and mental health, while considering sex as a moderator. METHODS 2,762 (64.2% women) undergraduate Spanish students completed an online battery. Among others, they fulfilled the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-28). A two-way ANOVA assessed the effects of sex and past-month cannabis use on participants' DASS-21 scores. A set of moderated mediations tested whether the indirect effect of past-month cannabis use on DASS-21 through DERS differed by sex. RESULTS Past-month cannabis female users showed higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress (M = 51.10, SD = 26.72) than did men [(M = 33.76, SD = 20.31); F(1, 2758) = 5.119, p =.024, η2p =.002]. In female young adults only, the effect of past-month cannabis use on mental health was mediated by ED (total score), non-acceptance of emotional responses, lack of emotional control, difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior, and lack of emotional clarity (all p's < 0.005) CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate the importance of considering ED in assessment and intervention practices. Interventions targeting ED may be particularly effective for female young adult cannabis users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Weidberg
- Department of Psychology. Addictive Behaviors Research Group (GCA), University of Oviedo. Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alba González-Roz
- Department of Psychology. Addictive Behaviors Research Group (GCA), University of Oviedo. Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Yasmina Castaño
- Department of Psychology. University of the Balearic Islands. Ctra. Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Spain
| | - Roberto Secades-Villa
- Department of Psychology. Addictive Behaviors Research Group (GCA), University of Oviedo. Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Spain
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Gueye NR, Prada K, de Moissac D. Recreational Cannabis Legislation: substance use and impaired driving among Canadian rural and urban postsecondary students. J Cannabis Res 2023; 5:8. [PMID: 36918969 PMCID: PMC10014410 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-023-00175-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigation of cannabis use trends among emerging adults (EA, aged between 18 and 24 years) following 2018 Canadian Recreational Cannabis Legislation (RCL) is critical. EAs report the heaviest cannabis use in Canada and are particularly vulnerable to the onset of problematic substance use. OBJECTIVES To describe and compare post-RCL use of cannabis and other state-altering substances, as well as the prevalence of impaired driving, among EA postsecondary students in both rural and urban settings, studying on one of five campuses in either Manitoba, Ontario, or Quebec. METHODS For this quantitative cross-sectional study, a self-report survey was administered to 1496 EA postsecondary students in the months following RCL (2018-2019). Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the influence of provincial and urban/rural living contexts on recreational cannabis use, other state-altering substance use and impaired driving behaviours, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were observed between cohorts in almost all measures. Quebec students were more likely to have consumed cannabis during their lifetime (AOR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.05, 1.90]) than all other cohorts. Rural cohorts all had greater odds of reporting consumption of cannabis during the previous year compared to urban cohorts (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.04, 1.67]). However, the relation between cannabis use in the last month and operating a motor vehicle after using cannabis (lifetime and past month) and living context differed between subjects in Quebec and those in the two other provinces. Quebec's students having lived mostly in urban contexts had greater odds of using cannabis in the past month and operating a motor vehicle after using cannabis (lifetime and past month) than those in rural contexts; the opposite was observed in Manitoba and Ontario. Differing interprovincial prohibitive/permissive legislation and licit cannabis infrastructure appeared to have little impact on post-RCL substance use. CONCLUSIONS In Manitoba and in Ontario, rural/urban living context seems to better predict substance use and related road-safety practices, suggesting these trends supersede permissive/prohibitive provincial legislation and licit cannabis-related infrastructures. Further investigation into sociodemographic factors influencing state-altering substance use and impaired driving, and maintaining tailored cannabis misuse prevention campaigns, is warranted on Canadian campuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- N'deye Rokhaya Gueye
- Université de Saint-Boniface, Office #3217, 200 de la Cathédrale Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2H 0H7, Canada.
| | - Kevin Prada
- Université de Saint-Boniface, Office #3217, 200 de la Cathédrale Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2H 0H7, Canada
| | - Danielle de Moissac
- Université de Saint-Boniface, Office #3217, 200 de la Cathédrale Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2H 0H7, Canada
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Motaghi E, Ghasemi-Pirbaluti M, Rashidi M, Alasvand M, Di Ciano P, Bozorgi H. The effect of tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol oromucosal spray on cognition: a systematic review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 79:371-381. [PMID: 36700997 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03454-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies have shown that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, can impair cognitive abilities. There is also some evidence that cannabidiol (CBD), the most abundant non-intoxicating constituent of cannabis, can attenuate these effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of THC:CBD oromucosal spray (with equal parts THC and CBD) on cognition compared with control conditions in human studies. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on four major bibliographic databases. Studies were included in the present review if they evaluated the cognitive effects of THC:CBD oromucosal spray compared with a control condition. RESULTS Ten studies were identified (7 on patients with multiple sclerosis, 1 on those with Huntington, and 2 on healthy volunteers) with 510 participants in total. There was considerable heterogeneity among the studies in terms of dose and duration of administration. All studies have used an equal or nearly equal dose of THC and CBD. CONCLUSIONS Although the results across studies were somewhat inconsistent, most evidence revealed that there is no significant difference between THC:CBD oromucosal spray and control treatments in terms of cognitive outcomes. However, more trials are needed with longer follow-up periods, and dose considerations, particularly comparing lower and higher doses of the spray.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Motaghi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Ghasemi-Pirbaluti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Masoud Alasvand
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Patricia Di Ciano
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H7, Canada.,Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M6J 1H4, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Hooman Bozorgi
- Research Center of Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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Turna J, Balodis I, Van Ameringen M, Busse JW, MacKillop J. Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Cannabis Before Recreational Legalization: A Cross-Sectional Study of Community Adults in Ontario. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:526-536. [PMID: 33998851 PMCID: PMC9418354 DOI: 10.1089/can.2019.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To characterize attitudes and perceptions regarding risks and benefits of cannabis before Canadian legalization for recreational use, both in general and between cannabis users and nonusers. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of community adults assessed in the month before legalization (September 17 to October 17, 2018). Overall, 1,480 individuals (60% female) of an average age of 34.5 years (±13.92) were included in the analysis; 48% reported cannabis use in the past 6 months. Attitudes and perceptions were assessed using a subset of items from the Canadian Cannabis Survey, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, and the Risks and Benefits of Cannabis Use. Results: Most commonly identified risks of cannabis were impaired memory (67%) and legal problems (54%). Most also identified addiction as a risk (52%), although 25% reported that cannabis was not addictive. The most commonly identified benefits were for pain relief (94%) and management of stress, anxiety, or depression (80%). Active cannabis users systematically reported lower endorsement of risks and higher endorsement of benefits. Only 6% of respondents anticipated increasing cannabis use postlegalization. Among other legal substances, medical cannabis was considered the most socially acceptable, followed by alcohol, recreational cannabis, electronic cigarettes, and then combustible cigarettes. Conclusion: Before legalization, attitudes toward cannabis in this sample of Canadian adults were generally favorable, particularly for medical cannabis. Perceptions of risk were often compatible with existing evidence, but notable proportions underendorsed risk of cannabis use disorder and overendorsed benefits for mental health. These results suggest priorities for public health messaging and provide benchmarks for understanding attitudinal changes postlegalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Turna
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Iris Balodis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Michael Van Ameringen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, MacAnxiety Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jason W. Busse
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - James MacKillop
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
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7
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Katapally TR. Cannabis use and suicidal ideation among youth: Can we democratize school policies using digital citizen science? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263533. [PMID: 35157726 PMCID: PMC8843173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School policies and programs are important in preventing Cannabis use among youth. This study uses an innovative digital citizen science approach to determine the association between Cannabis use and suicidal ideation among youth while investigating how school health policies mediate this association. METHODS The study engaged 818 youth (aged 13-18 years) and 27 educators as citizen scientists via their own smartphones. Youths responded to time-triggered validated surveys and ecological momentary assessments to report on a complex set of health behaviours and outcomes. Similarly, educators' reported on substance misuse and mental health school policies and programs. Multivariable logistic regression modeling and mediation analyses were employed. RESULTS 412 youth provided data on substance misuse and suicidal ideation. Cannabis use and other factors such as bullying, other illicit drug use, and youth who identified as females or other gender were associated with increased suicidal ideation. However, school policies and programs for substance misuse prevention did not mediate the association between Cannabis use and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS In the digital age, it is critical to reimagine the role of schools in health policy interventions. Digital citizen science not only provides an opportunity to democratize school policymaking and implementation processes, but also provides a voice to vulnerable youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Reddy Katapally
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, United Kingdom
- Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
- College of Medicine, Health Science Building, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Stiles-Shields C, Archer J, Zhang J, Burnside A, Draxler J, Potthoff LM, Reyes KM, Summersett Williams F, Westrick J, Karnik NS. A Scoping Review of Associations Between Cannabis Use and Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 54:639-658. [PMID: 34724134 PMCID: PMC9310430 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01280-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis and anxiety are both rising issues that impact young people. This review seeks to explore the association between anxiety and cannabis in adolescents and young adults (AYA). A database search was run retrospectively from July 2020 through calendar year 2013. Articles had to present outcomes examining cannabis use and symptoms of anxiety, be written in English, contain samples with ≥ 50% who are age 25 or younger, and be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Forty-seven studies were identified that examined the relationship between anxiety and cannabis use. Twenty-three studies found a positive association that greater anxiety among AYA was associated with greater cannabis use. In contrast, seven studies found a negative association that greater anxiety was related to less cannabis use. And finally, 17 studies found no clear association between anxiety and cannabis use. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between anxiety and cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Stiles-Shields
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 302, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Joseph Archer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 302, Chicago, IL 60612, USA,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jim Zhang
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amanda Burnside
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Janel Draxler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 302, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Karen M. Reyes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 302, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Westrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 302, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Niranjan S. Karnik
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 302, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Ghelani A. Cannabis Use Among Mental Health Professionals: A Qualitative Study of Cannabis-Related Risk Perceptions. JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES 2021; 51:679-689. [PMID: 34511638 PMCID: PMC8427810 DOI: 10.1177/00220426211032558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perceptions of cannabis-related risk are changing, and many are viewing cannabis as harmless despite the biopsychosocial risks. Perceptions of risk have an impact on behavior as individuals who are less likely to view cannabis as risky are more likely to use it problematically. PURPOSE This study examined how mental health professionals who use cannabis perceive the risks related to use. METHODS Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilized to understand how participants made sense of the harm related to personal and client use. Interviews were conducted with a sample of social workers, nurses, and psychotherapists who work with cannabis-consuming clients. RESULTS Participants reported cannabis use is related to anxiety, relational challenges, impaired driving, psychosis, cognitive impairment, educational/employment dysfunction, and addiction in some users. CONCLUSION Assessing risk perceptions among cannabis users can reveal subtle psychosocial problems the user may be experiencing. Mental health workers may benefit from further education regarding cannabis-related physical health harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Ghelani
- Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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10
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Levy NS, Mauro PM, Mauro CM, Segura LE, Martins SS. Joint perceptions of the risk and availability of Cannabis in the United States, 2002-2018. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 226:108873. [PMID: 34275699 PMCID: PMC8478130 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior work suggests that perceived risk and perceived availability of cannabis independently affect cannabis use. However, perceived risk likely modifies the effect of perceived availability, and vice versa. This study explored trends in joint perceived risk and availability of cannabis from 2002 to 2018 and the relationship between combined perceptions and cannabis use, frequent use, and cannabis use disorder (CUD). METHODS National Surveys on Drug Use and Health data (n = 949,285, ages 12+) were used to create combined categories of perceived risk of weekly cannabis use and perceived cannabis availability. Descriptive analyses compared joint perceived risk/availability trends (pre/post-2015 due to survey redesign) overall and stratified by age, gender, past-year cannabis use, frequent use, and CUD. Regression analysis estimated associations between perceived risk/availability and cannabis outcomes. RESULTS From 2002 to 2018, the prevalence of perceiving cannabis as low-risk doubled while perceiving cannabis as available remained unchanged. The proportion of individuals perceiving cannabis as Low-risk/Available increased by 86% from 2002 to 2014 (16.8%-31.2%) and 19% from 2015 to 2018 (30.1%-35.8%) while High-risk/Available and High-risk/Unavailable proportions declined. Differing patterns were observed by age and gender. Compared with individuals perceiving cannabis as High-risk/Unavailable, people in all other perception categories had greater risk of all cannabis outcomes. Results were consistent with additive interaction between perceived risk and availability in their effects on cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS Trends and associations with cannabis outcomes differ when considering perceived risk and availability independently versus jointly. Longitudinal studies and cannabis policy evaluations would advance understanding of links between cannabis perceptions and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S Levy
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Pia M Mauro
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christine M Mauro
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Luis E Segura
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
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11
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Pre- and Post-recreational Cannabis Legislation: Snapshot of Postsecondary Student Cannabis Use in Manitoba, Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ADDICTION 2021. [DOI: 10.1097/cxa.0000000000000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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12
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McQuaid RJ, Cox SM, Ogunlana A, Jaworska N. The burden of loneliness: Implications of the social determinants of health during COVID-19. Psychiatry Res 2021; 296:113648. [PMID: 33348199 PMCID: PMC9754822 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to examine if mental health issues, namely depression and anxiety symptoms, and loneliness were experienced differently according to various demographic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., a societal stressor). An online survey, comprising demographic questions and questionnaires on depression, anxiety and loneliness symptoms, was distributed in Canada during the height of social distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (N=661) from lower income households experienced greater anxiety, depression and loneliness. Specifically, loneliness was greater in those with an annual income <$50,000/yr versus higher income brackets. Younger females (18-29yr) displayed greater anxiety, depressive symptoms and loneliness than their male counterparts; this difference did not exist among the other age groups (30-64yr, >65yr). Moreover, loneliness scores increased with increasing depression and anxiety symptom severity category. The relationship between loneliness and depression symptoms was moderated by gender, such that females experienced higher depressive symptoms when encountering greater loneliness. These data identify younger females, individuals with lower income, and those living alone as experiencing greater loneliness and mental health challenges during the height of the pandemic in Canada. We highlight the strong relationship between loneliness, depression and anxiety, and emphasize increased vulnerability among certain cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn J. McQuaid
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Canada,Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Canada,School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Ayotola Ogunlana
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Canada
| | - Natalia Jaworska
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Canada; School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Canada; Department of Cellular Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada.
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13
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Prowse R, Sherratt F, Abizaid A, Gabrys RL, Hellemans KGC, Patterson ZR, McQuaid RJ. Coping With the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examining Gender Differences in Stress and Mental Health Among University Students. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:650759. [PMID: 33897499 PMCID: PMC8058407 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.650759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a wide variety of unprecedented challenges, many of which appear to be disproportionately affecting the mental health and well-being of young adults. While there is evidence to suggest university students experience high rates of mental health disorders, less is known about the specific impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health and how they are coping with this stress. To address this gap, we conducted an online study among undergraduate students (n = 366) to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academics, social isolation, and mental health, as well as the extent to which they have been implementing a variety of coping strategies. The pandemic had a more pronounced negative effect on female students' academics, social isolation, stress and mental health compared to male counterparts. Moreover, for females, frequent use of social media as a coping mechanism was associated with greater perceived negative impacts on their academic performance and stress levels, compared to males. However, frequent social media use related to similar negative mental health effects for both males and females. While male and female students both reported using substances to cope, for males the use of cannabis was associated with greater negative impacts on academic outcomes, stress and mental health compared to females. These findings highlight the need for adequate student support services across the post-secondary sector, and point to the importance of gender informed interventions to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Prowse
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Frances Sherratt
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alfonso Abizaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert L Gabrys
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Robyn J McQuaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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