1
|
Ruleman AM, Clendennen SL, Chen B, Harrell MB. Reasons for multiple tobacco product and cannabis co-use among Texas young adults. Addict Behav 2024; 156:108063. [PMID: 38824720 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines differences in reasons for e-cigarette, cigarette, and cannabis use across exclusive, dual, co-, and poly co-users. METHODS Participants were 645 young adults who reported past 30-day (P30D) use of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, or cannabis at wave 14 (Fall, 2021) of the Texas Adolescent Tobacco Marketing and Surveillance System (TATAMS). Exclusive users reported P30D use of one product, dual users reported P30D use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes, co-users reported use of cannabis and one tobacco product, and poly co-users reported P30D use of all three products. Participants were asked if they agreed with a series of reasons for using their respective products. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between reasons for use and pattern of use, controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, and lifetime product use. RESULTS 26.36 % of P30D users reported cannabis and tobacco use. Poly co-users were more likely to report using e-cigarettes because their friends do than e-cigarette co-users (aRRR = 2.64; 95 %CI = 1.19-5.83) and dual tobacco users (aRRR = 5.11; 95 %CI = 1.73-15.12). Poly co-users were more likely to smoke cigarettes while drinking alcohol (aRRR = 4.68; 95 %CI = 1.06-20.72) or to experience a pleasurable buzz (aRRR = 5.48; 95 %CI = 1.62-18.57) than exclusive cigarette users. Poly co-users more often reported using cannabis for taste (aRRR = 3.13; 95 %CI = 1.51-6.51), because their friends use it (aRRR = 2.19; 95 %CI = 1.08-4.42), and while drinking alcohol (aRRR = 2.13; 95 %CI = 1.03-4.41) than exclusive cannabis users. CONCLUSIONS Given that reasons for use differ significantly among types of multiple product users and exclusive users, interventions should be tailored to address the specific tobacco and cannabis use practices of young adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashlynn M Ruleman
- University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, 1836 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
| | - Stephanie L Clendennen
- University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, 1836 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Baojiang Chen
- University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, 1836 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| | - Melissa B Harrell
- University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, 1836 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cook WK, Lui CK, Greenfield TK, Subbaraman M, Li L, Kerr WC. Drinking contexts, coping motive, simultaneous cannabis use, and high-intensity drinking among adults in the United States. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agae038. [PMID: 38851209 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS High-intensity drinking (HID), extreme drinking considerably above the level of heavy episodic drinking (HED), is associated with long-term health and social consequences. There is limited understanding of HID beyond young adulthood. This study aims to identify concurrent risk factors for HID, comparing age differences among all adults. METHODS Multinomial logistic and linear regression modeling was performed using a nationally-representative sample of adults (analytic n = 7956) from the 2015 and 2020 National Alcohol Surveys. The outcomes were any HID of 8-11 drinks and 12+ drinks for men, and 8+ drinks for women, and corresponding frequencies. Concurrent risk factors included coping motive, sensation seeking, simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis (SAC), and drinking at a bar or party. Analyses were stratified by age (18-29 vs. older) and sex. RESULTS For younger men, sensation-seeking was significantly associated with HID (vs. no HED) at both levels and frequency of HID 8-11 drinks, while drinking to cope was only significant for 12+ drinks. For older men, drinking to cope was a consistent predictor for both HID level and its frequency, but sensation-seeking was not significant. Both coping and sensation-seeking were significantly associated with any HID for all women, while coping was significant for HID frequency for younger women. Frequent drinking at bars and parties were associated with greater odds of HID for all adults. With HED as referent, similar patterns of (though fewer significant) associations were observed. CONCLUSIONS Younger and older adults share similar risk factors for HID, with coping more consistent for older men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Won Kim Cook
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St. Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| | - Camillia K Lui
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St. Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| | - Thomas K Greenfield
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St. Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| | - Meenakshi Subbaraman
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St. Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| | - Libo Li
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St. Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| | - William C Kerr
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound St. Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pragst F, Niebel A, Thurmann D, Dullin M, Eichberg S, Mörlein F, Hartwig S. Is there a relationship between abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs seen in hair results? Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38686500 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3702] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Combined use of alcohol and illicit drugs is a serious health and social problem. In this study, it was examined, whether a relationship between alcohol and drug abuse can be ascertained by comparison of alcohol marker and drug concentrations in hair. In the frame of a social support system for families with parental abuse of illicit drugs, hair samples were analyzed between 2011 and 2022 for methadone, heroin (6-acetylmorphine), cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy (MDMA), cannabinoids (THC), and the alcohol markers ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl palmitate (EtPa). For 1314 hair samples from adolescent and adult family members, the hair results show a prevalence of combined occasional or regular drug use and social or abusive alcohol use of 41%-60% except heroin (35%). The drug concentrations were statistically compared in the three categories of abstinence or moderate drinking, social drinking, and alcohol abuse. For the most frequently detected drug cocaine (n = 703), a significant increase of the concentrations with rising alcohol consumption was found. The frequent detection of cocaethylene proved the preferred simultaneous intake of both substances. For THC (n = 489), no significant difference between the alcohol consumer groups was seen. Concerning the less frequently detected methadone (n = 89), 6-acetylmorphine (n = 92), amphetamine (n = 123), and MDMA (n = 105), no clear trend between drug and alcohol marker results was determined. It is concluded that the evaluation of hair results is an appropriate way to study the extent of combined drug-alcohol consumption and complements other studies based on acquisition of consumption data by interview or questionnaire.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Pragst
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medicine Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Niebel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medicine Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Denise Thurmann
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medicine Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monique Dullin
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medicine Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susann Eichberg
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medicine Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frederike Mörlein
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medicine Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Hartwig
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medicine Charité, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Drake CS, Sloan K, Anderson M, Clements-Nolle KD, Pearson JL. "I Like the Vibes it Gives": Adolescent Perspectives on Cannabis Billboards and Print Advertising in Nevada. JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES 2024; 54:238-252. [PMID: 38699081 PMCID: PMC11065432 DOI: 10.1177/00220426231159017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
An influx of laws permitting recreational cannabis sales in the US has allowed for increased advertising. The purpose of this study was to describe how adolescents perceive outdoor and print cannabis advertising and to identify aspects of advertising that are appealing or eye-catching, focusing on five themes: price promotion, sex appeal, wellness, party, and text-only. We recruited adolescents ages 11-17 to participate in seven focus groups (44 participants) from 2019 to 2020. Participants viewed cannabis advertisements and responses were summarized using deductive thematic analysis. The party-themed advertisements were the most salient to participants, who desired to emulate the behaviors shown. Participants favored ads featuring young people and containing multiple colors. Participants disliked advertisements perceived to portray misleading or contradictory messages, such as the promotion of physical activity or use of sex appeal, and ads perceived to lack authenticity. Identification of youth appealing features can help inform cannabis advertising regulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cara S Drake
- Division of Health Behavior, Policy, and Administration Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Kim Sloan
- Division of Health Behavior, Policy, and Administration Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Meghan Anderson
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno
| | - Kristen D Clements-Nolle
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno
| | - Jennifer L Pearson
- Division of Health Behavior, Policy, and Administration Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Waddell JT, Corbin WR. Do Subjective Effects from Alcohol and Cannabis Predict Simultaneous Use During a Decision-Making Task? Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:1020-1030. [PMID: 38441633 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2320366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Background: Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use is associated with negative outcomes, yet little is known about what motivates the decision of simultaneous use. One possibility is that early-episode subjective effects motivate simultaneous use to complement or replace the first substance's effects. The current study used a hypothetical decision-making task to test this hypothesis. Objectives: College students (N = 486) were presented eight scenarios characterized by alcohol/cannabis subjective effects (i.e., high/low arousal positive [e.g., excited, relaxed], high/low arousal negative [e.g., aggressive, dizzy]) and asked their likelihood of simultaneously using the other substance per scenario. Multilevel modeling tested whether subjective effect scenarios predicted a higher likelihood of simultaneous use and whether ordering moderated this association. Results: Task-based simultaneous use likelihood was associated with self-reported simultaneous use, showing task validity. Scenarios characterized by high/low arousal positive effects were associated with higher likelihood of simultaneous use, whereas high/low arousal negative scenarios were associated with lower likelihood. Alcohol vs. cannabis-first scenarios were associated with higher likelihood of simultaneous use, and significant interactions were observed for high/low arousal positive and high arousal negative effects. High arousal positive scenarios were associated with higher likelihood of simultaneous use when cannabis was used first, low arousal positive scenarios with higher likelihood when alcohol was used first, and high arousal negative scenarios with lower likelihood when cannabis was used first. Conclusions: Beginning-of-episode subjective substance effects may be a promising event-level predictor of simultaneous use, and just-in-time interventions may benefit from targeting the ordering and subjective experiences of alcohol and cannabis use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Waddell
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - William R Corbin
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shipley JL, Braitman AL. Assessment of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use and its related consequences and cognitions in college students: A narrative review. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:230-240. [PMID: 38212143 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
As rates of students using cannabis continue to rise, simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis (such that their effects overlap; commonly referred to as simultaneous alcohol and marijuana [SAM] use) is prevalent among college students who use both substances. Although research focusing on SAM use and related cognitions and consequences continues to grow, there are no common established measures, as approaches vary across studies. This narrative review identifies current methods for assessing SAM use and measures of SAM-related consequences and cognitions (motives and expectancies) among college students, evaluates how they were developed, identifies gaps in the literature, and provides recommendations for future directions of assessment. We conclude that the assessment of SAM use is limited by difficulties in the assessment of cannabis quantity and potency. However, and the lack of a psychometrically validated measure of SAM consequences. However, measures of SAM motives and expectancies have been published with support from psychometric examinations such as exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and measurement invariance. Research is needed that incorporates qualitative approaches in the development of SAM use measures so that unique items specific to SAM use rather than single-substance use can be identified. Additionally, validation of these measures is needed across different samples that vary demographically, such as by race and gender or sex. Future research should consider the development of a measure of protective behavioral strategies specific to SAM use to inform interventions that target the reduction of negative consequences of SAM use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Shipley
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Abby L Braitman
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Buckner JD, Zvolensky MJ, Scherzer CR. Alcohol and cannabis dual use among Black adults: Associations with alcohol use, use-related problems, and race-based discrimination. Am J Addict 2024; 33:65-70. [PMID: 37689991 PMCID: PMC10846665 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Black adults who drink alcohol appear at risk for poor alcohol-related outcomes, yet little research has examined whether cannabis use among those who consume alcohol (alcohol-cannabis dual use) is related to worse alcohol-related consequences, as observed in predominantly White samples. Further, it may be that experiencing more race-based discrimination may be related to using multiple substances to cope with such experiences; however, no known studies have examined the impact of race-based discrimination on alcohol-cannabis dual use. METHODS Participants were 270 Black undergraduates who endorsed past-month drinking, 112 of whom endorsed alcohol-cannabis dual use. RESULTS The dual use group reported heavier drinking, more drinking-related problems, and more race-based microaggressions (but not overt racism) than the alcohol-only group. CONCLUSIONS The use of cannabis among Black young adults who drink alcohol was related to heavier drinking and more alcohol-related problems. Further, experiencing more microaggressions may place these individuals at risk for using multiple substances, presumably to cope with these experiences. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Considering models suggesting that the dual use of cannabis may result in less alcohol use, the current study highlights that for Black adults who consume alcohol, cannabis dual use is related to heavier drinking and more alcohol-related problems, which can inform intervention and treatment efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia D. Buckner
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Michael J. Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- HEALTH Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Caroline R. Scherzer
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wilds KM, Riddell JR. Cannabis Policy and Consumption: Taking into account Substitution Effects. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 59:97-109. [PMID: 37781770 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2262012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Previous studies examining the cannabis-alcohol substitution effect have found that medical cannabis policies may result in substituting the use of cannabis in place of alcohol use. Objectives: This study adds to the literature on cannabis-alcohol substitution by analyzing the effect of decriminalization, medicinal cannabis, and adult-use legalization cannabis policies (2002-2019) on cannabis and alcohol use and substance substitution for all 50 states and the District of Columbia (N=867). Results: Results support the notion that liberalized cannabis policies can increase the prevalence of cannabis use. An adult-use legalization specific analysis yielded findings suggesting a complex and heterogenous effect of such laws on cannabis-alcohol complementation. Conclusion: Given the lack of clarity and heterogenous effects of cannabis laws, policy makers should carefully take into consideration the benefits of medical cannabis laws, along with the risks of decriminalization and adult-use legalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Wilds
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States
| | - Jordan R Riddell
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Missouri State University, Springfield, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bailey A, Harps M, Belcher C, Williams H, Amos C, Donovan B, Sedore G, Victoria S, Graham B, Goulet-Stock S, Cartwright J, Robinson J, Farrell-Low A, Willson M, Sutherland C, Stockwell T, Pauly B. Translating the lived experience of illicit drinkers into program guidance for cannabis substitution: Experiences from the Canadian Managed Alcohol Program Study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 122:104244. [PMID: 37950943 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
A small but growing body of research has suggested the potential for cannabis substitution to support Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) service users to reduce acute and chronic alcohol-related harms. In 2022, researchers from the Canadian Managed Alcohol Program Study (CMAPS) noted a dearth of accessible, alcohol-specific educational resources to support service users and program staff to implement cannabis substitution pilots at several MAP sites in Canada. In this essay, we draw on over 10-years of collaboration between CMAPS, and organizations of people with lived experience (the Eastside Illicit Drinkers Group for Education (EIDGE) and SOLID Victoria) to describe our experiences co-creating cannabis education resources where none existed to support MAP sites interested in beginning to provide cannabis to participants. The research team relied on the unique lived experiences and informal cannabis-related harm reduction strategies described by EIDGE and SOLID members to create cannabis education resources that were accurate and relevant to MAP sites. EIDGE was familiar with creating peer-oriented educational resources and convened meetings and focus groups to engage peers. CMAPS research team members created standard cannabis unit equivalencies to support program delivery, and clinical advisors ensured that the stated risks and benefits of cannabis substitution, as well as tapering guidance for withdrawal management, were safe and feasible. The collaboration ultimately produced tailored client-facing and provider-facing resources. Our experience demonstrates that the lived expertise of drinkers can play an integral role in creating alcohol harm reduction informational materials, specifically those related to cannabis substitution, when combined with data from rigorous, community-based programs of research like CMAPS. We close by listing additional considerations for cannabis substitution program design for MAP settings emerging from this process of collaboration between illicit drinkers, service providers, clinicians, and researchers for consideration by other programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Bailey
- Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, 380 E Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6A 1P4, Canada.
| | - Myles Harps
- Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, 380 E Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6A 1P4, Canada
| | - Clint Belcher
- Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, 380 E Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6A 1P4, Canada
| | - Henry Williams
- Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, 380 E Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6A 1P4, Canada
| | - Cecil Amos
- Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, 380 E Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6A 1P4, Canada
| | - Brent Donovan
- SOLID Victoria, 1056 N Park Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1C6, Canada
| | - George Sedore
- Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, 380 E Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6A 1P4, Canada
| | - Solid Victoria
- SOLID Victoria, 1056 N Park Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1C6, Canada
| | - Brittany Graham
- Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, 380 E Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6A 1P4, Canada
| | - Sybil Goulet-Stock
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Cornett Building (COR), A236, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Jenny Cartwright
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 2300 McKenzie Ave, Victoria, BC V8N 5M8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Robinson
- Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Cornett Building (COR), B228, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Amanda Farrell-Low
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 2300 McKenzie Ave, Victoria, BC V8N 5M8, Canada
| | - Mark Willson
- SOLID Victoria, 1056 N Park Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1C6, Canada
| | - Christy Sutherland
- PHS Community Services Society, 9 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1M9, Canada
| | - Tim Stockwell
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Cornett Building (COR), A236, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Bernie Pauly
- Department of Nursing, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd, HSD Building, A402A, Victoria BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tomko RL, Gex KS, Davis CN, Schick MR, Kirkland AE, Squeglia LM, Flanagan JC, Gray KM, McRae-Clark AL. Sex and Gender Differences in Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use: a Narrative Review. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2023; 10:628-637. [PMID: 38264339 PMCID: PMC10803059 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-023-00513-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The aim is to review recent literature on sex and gender differences in patterns of use, motives, pharmacological effects, and consequences of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (SAC). Recent Findings Men engage in SAC more frequently than women. Women may have more substance-specific motives for use, while men tend to consistently endorse social/enhancement motives for both alcohol and cannabis. Regarding pharmacological effects, women experience the same subjective effects as men do at lower levels of use, with some evidence that women modulate cannabis use during simultaneous use episodes to avoid greater subjective intoxication. Finally, women appear more vulnerable to experiencing a range of positive and negative consequences from SAC relative to men. Summary Research has identified several important sex/gender differences in SAC and its correlates and consequences. However, research has primarily focused on white and cisgender populations, with a need for more research among racial/ethnic and gender minorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Tomko
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 864, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425-8610, USA
| | - Kathryn S. Gex
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 864, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425-8610, USA
| | - Christal N. Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 864, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425-8610, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Anna E. Kirkland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 864, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425-8610, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Squeglia
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 864, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425-8610, USA
| | - Julianne C. Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 864, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425-8610, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kevin M. Gray
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 864, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425-8610, USA
| | - Aimee L. McRae-Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 864, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425-8610, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Steinfeld MR, Torregrossa MM. Consequences of adolescent drug use. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:313. [PMID: 37802983 PMCID: PMC10558564 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use in adolescence is a known risk factor for the development of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders in adulthood. This is in part due to the fact that critical aspects of brain development occur during adolescence, which can be altered by drug use. Despite concerted efforts to educate youth about the potential negative consequences of substance use, initiation remains common amongst adolescents world-wide. Additionally, though there has been substantial research on the topic, many questions remain about the predictors and the consequences of adolescent drug use. In the following review, we will highlight some of the most recent literature on the neurobiological and behavioral effects of adolescent drug use in rodents, non-human primates, and humans, with a specific focus on alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and the interactions between these substances. Overall, consumption of these substances during adolescence can produce long-lasting changes across a variety of structures and networks which can have enduring effects on behavior, emotion, and cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Steinfeld
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fernandes JAB, Filev R, Fidalgo TM. Cannabinoids for Substance Use Disorder Treatment: What Does the Current Evidence Say? Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:703-715. [PMID: 37262132 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is increasing along with the need to develop approaches to reduce the harm associated with substance use, including investigating alternatives such as cannabinoids, which show promising results, although the current evidence is limited. This scoping review focuses on the limitations and potentials of cannabinoid-based treatments for SUDs. Methods: We examined between-subject randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of CBD and THC as pharmacological treatment for SUDs in adults, with the procedures attending the expectations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for Scoping Reviews guidelines and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool 2. Results: Ten RCTs were included, with six demonstrating low risk of bias, and positive results were found for treating Cannabis Use Disorder, while contradictory results were found for Opioid Use Disorder, and inconclusive results for treating Cocaine Use Disorder. Conclusions: CBD and THC demonstrate potential for treating some SUDs, but evidence is limited. Robust RCTs with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are necessary to assess carefully developed outcomes for different SUD patients. New cannabinoid-based medications and scientific-based policies may advance SUD treatment. A comprehensive approach to treatment and careful methodological choices may benefit patients with SUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Ariel Bonar Fernandes
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato Filev
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago M Fidalgo
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Myran DT, Gaudreault A, Pugliese M, Manuel DG, Tanuseputro P. Cannabis-Involved Traffic Injury Emergency Department Visits After Cannabis Legalization and Commercialization. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2331551. [PMID: 37672273 PMCID: PMC10483310 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.31551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance The impact of nonmedical cannabis legalization on traffic injuries and cannabis involvement in traffic injuries is unclear. Objective To examine changes in the number and characteristics of cannabis-involved traffic injury emergency department (ED) visits from before to after legalization and subsequent commercialization (ie, increased retail store and product availability) of cannabis in Ontario, Canada. Design, Setting, and Participants This repeated cross-sectional study examined changes in cannabis- and alcohol-involved traffic injury ED visits in Ontario, Canada, during 3 time periods: prelegalization (January 2010-September 2018), legalization with product and retail store restrictions (October 2018-February 2020), and commercialization with new products and expanded number of stores, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-December 2021). All individuals aged 16 years and older eligible for Ontario's Universal Health Coverage were included. Season- and time-adjusted quasi-Poisson models were used to generate rate ratios with 95% CIs. Data were analyzed from March to April 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Quarterly counts of cannabis-involved ED visits for traffic injury. Results There were 947 604 traffic injury ED visits, of which 426 (0.04%) had documented cannabis involvement and 7564 (0.8%) had documented alcohol involvement. Of the 418 individuals with documented cannabis involvement, 330 (78.9%) were male, 109 (25.6%) were aged 16 to 21 years (mean [SD] age at visit, 30.6 [12.0] years), and 113 (27.0%) had an ED visit or hospitalization for substance use in the 2 years before their traffic injury ED visit. Annual rates of cannabis-involved traffic injury ED visits increased 475.3% over the study period (0.18 visits per 1000 total motor vehicle collisions in 2010 to 1.01 in 2021). Over the same period, alcohol-involved traffic injury ED visits increased by 9.4% (8.03 in 2010 to 8.79 per 1000 traffic injury ED visits in 2021). Legalization with restrictions was associated with a 94% increase in the quarterly rate of cannabis involvement in traffic injury ED visits relative to prelegalization (adjusted rate ratio [aRR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.37-2.75). Commercialization/COVID-19 was associated with a greater increase of 223% in rates (aRR, 3.23; 95% CI, 2.42-4.33). After adjusting for time trends before legalization, only commercialization/COVID-19 was associated with increased rates. Male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.38; 95% CI, 2.66-4.29), living in the lowest-income neighborhood (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.39-2.67), being aged 19 to 21 years (aOR, 4.67; 95% CI, 3.27-6.67), and having a prior cannabis-related ED visit (aOR, 8.03; 95% CI, 5.85-11.02) were all positively associated with cannabis involvement during a traffic injury ED visit. Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study found large increases in cannabis involvement in ED visits for traffic injury over time, which may have accelerated following nonmedical cannabis commercialization. Although the frequency of visits was rare, they may reflect broader changes in cannabis-impaired driving. Greater prevention efforts, including targeted education and policy measures, in regions with legal cannabis are indicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. Myran
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrienne Gaudreault
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Pugliese
- ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas G. Manuel
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ross JM, Karoly HC, Zellers SM, Ellingson JM, Corley RP, Iacono WG, Hewitt JK, McGue M, Vrieze S, Hopfer CJ. Evaluating substance use outcomes of recreational cannabis legalization using a unique co-twin control design. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:630-639. [PMID: 37262386 PMCID: PMC10689567 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2163177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: As more states pass recreational cannabis legalization (RCL), we must understand how RCL affects substance use.Objectives: The current study aims to examine the effect of RCL on lifetime and past-year use of cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, frequency of cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco use, co-use of cannabis with alcohol and tobacco, and consequences from cannabis and alcohol use.Methods: We used a unique, co-twin control design of twin pairs who were discordant for living in a state with RCL between 2018 and 2021. The sample consisted of 3,830 adult twins (41% male), including 232 twin pairs discordant for RCL. Problems from alcohol and cannabis use were assessed via the Brief Marijuana Consequences Questionnaire and the Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire.Results: Results indicated that the twin living in an RCL state was more likely to endorse past-year cannabis use (OR = 1.56, p = .009), greater number of cannabis use days in the past 6 months (β = 0.47, p = .019), but not more negative consequences from cannabis use (β = 0.21, p = .456) compared to their co-twin in a non-RCL state. There were no differences within-twin pairs in frequency of alcohol use (β=-0.05, p = .601), but the RCL twin reported fewer negative consequences from alcohol use (β=-0.29, p = .016) compared to their co-twin in a non-RCL state. We did not observe any other differences within-twin pairs on other outcomes.Conclusion: These results suggest that living in an RCL state is associated with greater cannabis frequency but not more negative consequences from cannabis use than living in a non-RCL state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Megan Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hollis C. Karoly
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Jarrod M. Ellingson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Robin P. Corley
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - William G. Iacono
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - John K. Hewitt
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Matt McGue
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Scott Vrieze
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christian J. Hopfer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dodge T, Hoffman RK, Kracke-Bock J, Jaccard JJ, Stock ML. How Does Being under the Influence Affect Willingness to Experience Overlapping Effects of Alcohol and Marijuana? Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:1483-1492. [PMID: 37350140 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2223284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study tested how individuals anticipate they will respond to opportunities to engage in simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use. METHODS Two studies utilizing a within-subjects design were conducted. Study 1 was conducted in Spring 2021 and a replication (Study 2) was conducted in Fall 2021. Participants were presented with pairs of scenarios. One scenario pair compared how willing participants expected to be to get drunk if they were sober vs. high. Another pair compared how willing participants would be to take a hit of marijuana if they were sober vs. drunk. College attending young adults (Study 1: N = 173; female = 81%; Study 2: N = 212; female = 49.1%) with varying degrees of substance use experience were recruited. RESULTS In Study 1 participants reported greater willingness to get drunk when sober than when high. This was qualified by a statistically significant interaction whereby differences were greater among those who had more experience with past 30-day heavy drinking. Similar findings emerged for willingness to use marijuana. Participants anticipated greater willingness to use marijuana when sober than when drunk. This was also qualified by a statistically significant interaction whereby differences were greater among experimental or established users of marijuana than among abstainers. Study 2 findings replicated those from Study 1. CONCLUSIONS College attending young adults state greater willingness to remain under the influence of one substance than to engage in SAM use when opportunities arise. Simultaneous use of alcohol and marijuana among college students is likely an exception, not the rule. Implications for prevention are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tonya Dodge
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Rebecca K Hoffman
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Jonah Kracke-Bock
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | | | - Michelle L Stock
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Alvarez-Roldan A, García-Muñoz T, Gamella JF, Parra I, Duaso MJ. Differentiating people who use cannabis heavily through latent class analysis. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:31. [PMID: 37264404 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who use cannabis daily or near-daily vary considerably in their daily dosage and use frequency, impacting both experienced effects and adverse consequences. This study identified heavy cannabis user groups according to consumption patterns and factors associated with class membership. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 380 Spanish residents (61.8% male; average age = 30.3 years) who had used cannabis ≥ 3 days/week throughout the past year. Participants were recruited through chain referral and cannabis social clubs. We applied latent class analysis (LCA) to cluster participants according to use intensity. LCA indicators included frequency of weekly cannabis use, joints smoked each day, cannabis dosage, and if cannabis was consumed throughout the day or only at specific times. Associations between class membership and socio-demographics, use patterns, motives, supply sources, adverse outcomes, and use of other substances were measured using ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Multinomial regression identified the factors associated with latent class membership. RESULTS Three latent classes (moderately heavy: 21.8%, heavy: 68.2%, very heavy: 10%) had average weekly cannabis intakes of 2.4, 5.5, and 18.3 g, respectively. Very heavy users were older ([Formula: see text]=17.77, p < 0.01), less educated [Formula: see text]=36.80, p < 0.001), and had used cannabis for longer (F = 4.62, p = 0.01). CAST scores (F = 26.51, p < 0.001) increased across the classes. The prevalence of past-month alcohol use was lower among the heaviest users ([Formula: see text]=5.95, p = 0.05). Cannabis was usually obtained from a club by very heavy users ([Formula: see text]=20.95, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS People who use cannabis heavily present three groups according to frequency and quantity of cannabis consumption. Use intensity is associated with increased cannabis-related problems. Differences among heavy users must be considered in harm reduction interventions in cannabis clubs and indicated prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan F Gamella
- Department of Social Anthropology, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Iván Parra
- Department of Social Anthropology, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Maria J Duaso
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gonçalves PD, Levy NS, Segura LE, Bruzelius E, Boustead AE, Hasin DS, Mauro PM, Martins SS. Cannabis Recreational Legalization and Prevalence of Simultaneous Cannabis and Alcohol Use in the United States. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:1493-1500. [PMID: 36451010 PMCID: PMC10160263 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simultaneous cannabis/alcohol use, using both substances within a short time interval so that their effects overlap, has a greater risk of potential negative consequences than single-substance use and is more common in younger age. Relationships between recreational cannabis laws (RCLs) and changes in simultaneous cannabis/alcohol use prevalence remain untested. OBJECTIVE To examine trends in simultaneous cannabis/alcohol use from 2008 to 2019, and investigate associations between implementation of RCLs (i.e., presence of active legal dispensaries or legal home cultivation) and simultaneous cannabis/alcohol use in the United States (U.S.). DESIGN Repeated cross-sectional samples from the 2008-2019 U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). PARTICIPANTS Respondents (51% female) aged 12 and older. INTERVENTIONS Changes in simultaneous cannabis/alcohol use before and after RCL implementation (controlling for medical cannabis law implementation) were compared in different age groups (12-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51+), using adjusted multi-level logistic regression with state random intercepts and an RCL/age group interaction. MEASUREMENTS Self-reported simultaneous cannabis/alcohol use. RESULTS From 2008 to 2019, the overall prevalence of simultaneous cannabis/alcohol use declined among those aged 12-20 but increased in adults aged 21+. Model-based simultaneous cannabis/alcohol use prevalence increased after RCL implementation among respondents aged 21-30 years (+1.2%; aOR= 1.15 [95%CI = 1.04-1.27]), 31-40 years (+1.0; 1.15 [1.04-1.27]), and 41-50 years (+1.75; 1.63 [1.34-1.98]), but not in individuals aged <21 or 51+ years. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of recreational cannabis policies resulted in increased simultaneous use of cannabis and alcohol, supporting the complementarity hypothesis, but only among adults aged 21+. Efforts to minimize harms related to simultaneous cannabis/alcohol use are critical, especially in states with RCLs. Future studies should investigate cultural norms, perceived harm, and motives related to simultaneous use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Dib Gonçalves
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St Room 509, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Natalie S Levy
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St Room 509, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Luis E Segura
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St Room 509, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Emilie Bruzelius
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St Room 509, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Anne E Boustead
- School of Government & Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Deborah S Hasin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pia M Mauro
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St Room 509, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St Room 509, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Karoly HC, Conner BT, Prince MA. Associations between alcohol and cannabis use order, frequency, quantity, and consequences in a college sample of individuals who co-use alcohol and cannabis. Am J Addict 2023; 32:283-290. [PMID: 36546556 PMCID: PMC10121768 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Using both alcohol and cannabis (either at the same time or at different times) is common among college students, and is called "co-use." Using these substances simultaneously, such that their effects overlap, is thought to be an especially risky co-use pattern. Gaining a better understanding of how co-use patterns relate to substance use and consequences could aid prevention and intervention efforts. METHODS We examined college students (N = 401) who reported using both alcohol and cannabis at least once in the past 30 days. Path analysis was used to explore relations among co-use patterns (number of days in a typical week that participants used both alcohol and cannabis; the number of days using alcohol first, cannabis first, alcohol last, and cannabis last; the number of days of simultaneous use), past-30-day alcohol and cannabis consequences, use frequency, and typical quantities used. RESULTS Each additional day of using alcohol first was associated with fewer past-30-day cannabis consequences. Each additional day of using cannabis first was associated with fewer alcohol-related consequences. Each additional day of using alcohol and cannabis on the same day and each additional day of simultaneous use were both associated with less cannabis used and alcohol consumed in a typical week. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This study is among the first to identify associations between alcohol and cannabis order and outcomes (i.e., consequences and consumption). Results suggest that modifying which substance is used first on a given day could be a practical intervention strategy for individuals who co-use alcohol and cannabis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hollis C Karoly
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Bradley T Conner
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark A Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lake S, Assaf RD, Gorbach PM, Cooper ZD. Changes in secondary substance use after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic among people who use cannabis: Findings from a web-based sample of adults in the United States. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2023; 31:482-490. [PMID: 35467920 PMCID: PMC9592680 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread impacts on mental health and substance use. Increases in cannabis use have been documented in the United States, but little is known about how other substance use has changed among people who use cannabis. We sought to examine changes in alcohol, tobacco, opioid, and stimulant use during COVID-19 and explore how these changes relate to patterns of cannabis use. Data were obtained from a web-based survey of adults in the United States who use cannabis (n = 1,471) administered in September 2020. Using data reported in retrospective (prepandemic) and time-of-survey assessment periods, we explored changes in the prevalence of regular (≥ weekly) alcohol, tobacco, opioid, and stimulant use during COVID-19 among respondents who used medical and nonmedical cannabis. We used modified Poisson regression to examine cannabis-related correlates of increasing or decreasing secondary substance use during the pandemic. There was a slight but significant increase in ≥weekly alcohol use in the medical use group only (41.4%-47.0%, p = .034). ≥ Weekly tobacco, opioid, and stimulant use did not change significantly. Pandemic-concurrent shifts in secondary substance use depended on interacting cannabis-related factors including medical cannabis use, prepandemic cannabis frequency, and pandemic-concurrent frequency changes. For example, ≥ weekly prepandemic cannabis use was significantly and positively associated with decreasing opioid use frequency among the medical cannabis use group only. Assessments of the pandemic's effects on substance use should consider relationships between cannabis and other substances, which may differ according to cannabis-specific behaviors, motives, and contexts of use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Lake
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Ryan D. Assaf
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Ziva D. Cooper
- UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Armstrong MJ. Relationships between sales of legal medical cannabis and alcohol in Canada . Health Policy 2023; 128:28-33. [PMID: 36443110 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.11.012] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The extent to which legalizing cannabis use might lead to increased or decreased alcohol use has important implications for public health, economic growth, and government policy. This study analyzed Canada's monthly per capita sales of alcohol and legal medical cannabis using fixed effect panel data linear regressions. The data covered seven Canadian regions from January 2011 to September 2018, and controlled for changing levels of retail activity, alcohol prices, tertiary education, unemployment, and impaired driving penalties. The analysis estimated that each dollar of legal medical cannabis sold was associated with an average alcohol sales decrease of roughly $0.74 to $0.84. This suggests that medical cannabis was an economic substitute for alcohol in Canada, and that the country's 2017-2018 alcohol sales were roughly 1.8% lower than they would have been without legal medical cannabis. The results therefore indirectly imply that reduced alcohol consumption might have partly offset cannabis legalization's health and economic impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Armstrong
- FOIS, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Guindon GE, Zhao K, Fatima T, Garasia S, Quinn N, Baskerville NB, Paraje G. Prices, taxes and alcohol use: a systematic umbrella review. Addiction 2022; 117:3004-3023. [PMID: 35661298 PMCID: PMC9796894 DOI: 10.1111/add.15966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM To measure the impact of taxes and prices on alcohol use with particular attention to the different context of rising alcohol consumption in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS Systematic review: we searched MEDLINE, Embase, EconLit and LILACS, grey literature, hand-searched five specialty journals and examined references of relevant studies. We considered all reviews that included studies that quantitatively examined the relationship between alcohol prices or taxes and alcohol use. At least two reviewers independently screened the articles and extracted the characteristics, methods and main results and assessed the quality of each included study. We identified 30 reviews. RESULTS There was overwhelming evidence that higher alcohol prices and taxes were associated with lower total alcohol consumption and that price responsiveness varied by beverage type. Total own-price elasticities of alcohol demand were consistently negative and substantial enough to be policy meaningful; total own-price elasticities for beer, wine and spirits were found to be approximately -0.3, -0.6 and -0.65. Reviews generally concluded that higher taxes and prices were associated with lower heavy episodic drinking and heavy drinking, although the magnitude of these associations was generally unclear. Reviews provided no evidence that alcohol price responsiveness differed by socioeconomic status, mixed and contradictory evidence with respect to age and sex and limited evidence that price responsiveness in low- and middle-income countries was approximately the same as in high-income countries. CONCLUSIONS Taxes are effective in reducing alcohol use. Moreover, increasing the price of alcohol by increasing taxes can also be expected to increase tax revenue, because the demand for alcohol is most certainly inelastic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. Emmanuel Guindon
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy AnalysisMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and ImpactMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada,Department of EconomicsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | - Kevin Zhao
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy AnalysisMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | - Tooba Fatima
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy AnalysisMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | - Sophiya Garasia
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy AnalysisMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and ImpactMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | | | | | - Guillermo Paraje
- Escuela de Negocios, Universidad Adolfo IbáñezSantiagoChile,Millennium Nucleus for the Evaluation and Analysis of Drug Policies (nDP)Santiago de ChileChile
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Karoly HC, Prince MA, Emery NN, Smith EE, Piercey CJ, Conner BT. Protocol for a mobile laboratory study of co-administration of cannabis concentrates with a standard alcohol dose in humans. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277123. [PMID: 36327298 PMCID: PMC9632794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is commonly used among people who drink alcohol, yet evidence on acute effects of co-use is conflicting. Two important variables that may influence the effects of cannabis and alcohol are cannabinoid content (i.e., the ratio of cannabidiol [CBD] and 9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) as well as the order of use (i.e., cannabis before alcohol vs. alcohol before cannabis). Research is mixed regarding the acute imapct of cannabis on alcohol consumption and intoxication, with some studies suggesting additive effects of alcohol and cannabis, and others demonstrating negligible effects of combining these substances. Further complicating this, high-THC-content cannabis concentrates are increasingly popular on the legal-market, but to our knowledge, no studies have explored concentrate and alcohol co-use. In addition to cannabinoid content, order of use may influence intoxication and other acute effects, but is also understudied. Co-use studies typically administer a fixed dose of alcohol before cannabis, and there is a lack of data on the acute effects of cannabis before alcohol. Thus, there is a need for experimental co-use studies exploring the impact of cannabinoid content (particularly of highly potent cannabis concentrates) and order effects on intoxication. This study uses a federally-compliant mobile laboratory procedure to explore the effects of co-administration of legal-market cannabis concentrates with a moderate alcohol dose (.8g/kg) in a sample of community participants who regularly use alcohol and cannabis. The study will also explore alcohol and cannabis order effects (cannabis before alcohol vs. alcohol before cannabis). Outcomes are objective intoxication (measured using blood cannabinoid level, heart rate, psychomotor performance and breath alcohol level [BrAC]) and subjective intoxication (assessed via self-report measures). Overall, this study may influence harm-reduction recommendations for individuals who drink alcohol and use cannabis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hollis C. Karoly
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark A. Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Noah N. Emery
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Emma E. Smith
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Cianna J. Piercey
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Bradley T. Conner
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Waddell JT, Jager J, Chassin L. Maturing out of alcohol and cannabis co-use: A test of patterns and personality predictors. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1603-1615. [PMID: 35994040 PMCID: PMC10325930 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reductions in substance involvement into adulthood are thought to represent a normative maturing out of substance use. However, patterns and predictors of maturing out of alcohol and cannabis co-use remain largely unstudied. Therefore, the current study tested developmental trajectories of alcohol and cannabis use from late adolescence into adulthood and whether late adolescent personality traits predicted trajectory class membership. METHODS Data come from a longitudinal study of family history of alcohol disorder (N = 458). Age bands were created to model trajectories of drinking quantity, negative alcohol consequences, and cannabis use frequency from late adolescence (age 18-22) to young adulthood (age 23-28) and adulthood (age 29-36). Participants reported on their sensation seeking, conscientiousness, and neuroticism during late adolescence and their typical drinking quantity, negative alcohol consequences, and cannabis use frequency at each age band. RESULTS Three trajectory classes were derived from an initial Parallel Process Growth Mixture Model: (1) low-risk maturing out of alcohol-only use, (2) high-risk maturing out of co-use, and (3) high-risk switchers who increased their cannabis use into adulthood. Late adolescent sensation seeking was associated with higher odds of being in both co-use trajectories, whereas a lack of conscientiousness was associated with higher odds of being a co-use switcher. CONCLUSIONS We identified heterogeneity in trajectories of co-use, which suggests that a lack of maturing out of alcohol involvement may be accompanied by increased cannabis use. Moreover, late adolescent personality traits may predispose individuals toward riskier developmental trajectories of substance use into adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Waddell
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Justin Jager
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Laurie Chassin
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Venegas A, Du H, Cooper ZD, Ray LA. Cannabis and alcohol co-use: the effects of intensity of cannabis use among heavy drinkers. Addict Behav 2022; 135:107443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
25
|
Pacula RL, Smart R, Lira MC, Pessar SC, Blanchette JG, Naimi TS. Relationships of Cannabis Policy Liberalization With Alcohol Use and Co-Use With Cannabis: A Narrative Review. Alcohol Health Res World 2022; 42:06. [PMID: 35360879 PMCID: PMC8936161 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v42.1.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The liberalization of cannabis policies has the potential to affect the use of other substances and the harms from using them, particularly alcohol. Although a previous review of this literature found conflicting results regarding the relationship between cannabis policy and alcohol-related outcomes, cannabis policies have continued to evolve rapidly in the years since that review. SEARCH METHODS The authors conducted a narrative review of studies published between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, that assessed the effects of cannabis policies on the use of alcohol in the United States or Canada. SEARCH RESULTS The initial search identified 3,446 unique monographs. Of these, 23 met all inclusion criteria and were included in the review, and five captured simultaneous or concurrent use of alcohol and cannabis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Associations between cannabis policy liberalization and alcohol use, alcohol-related outcomes, and the co-use of alcohol and cannabis were inconclusive, with studies finding positive associations, no associations, and negative associations. Although several studies found that cannabis policy liberalization was associated with decreases in alcohol use measures, these same studies showed no impact of the cannabis policy on cannabis use itself. The lack of a consistent association was robust to subject age, outcome measure (e.g., use, medical utilization, driving), and type of cannabis policy; however, this may be due to the small number of studies for each type of outcome. This paper discusses several notable limitations of the evidence base and offers suggestions for improving consistency and comparability of research going forward, including a stronger classification of cannabis policy, inclusion of measures of the alcohol policy environment, verification of the impact of cannabis policy on cannabis use, and consideration of mediation effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Timothy S Naimi
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gunn RL, Aston ER, Metrik J. Patterns of Cannabis and Alcohol Co-Use: Substitution Versus Complementary Effects. Alcohol Res 2022; 42:04. [PMID: 35223338 PMCID: PMC8855954 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v42.1.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this review is to discuss the literature regarding the concurrent use (co-use) of alcohol and cannabis and competing hypotheses as to whether cannabis acts as a substitute for (i.e., replacing the effects of alcohol, resulting in decreased use) or a complement to (i.e., used to enhance the effects of alcohol, resulting in increased use) alcohol. The impact of cannabis use on alcohol-related outcomes has received increased attention in the wake of ongoing legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. Evidence for both hypotheses exists in the literature across a broad range of data collection methods and samples and is carefully reviewed here. In addition, various mechanisms by which cannabis may act as an alcohol substitute or complement are explored in depth with the goal of better understanding equivocal findings. SEARCH METHODS This review includes articles that were identified from a search for studies on alcohol and cannabis co-use, with a specific focus on studies exploring complementary versus substitution aspects of co-use. Search terms were included in Google Scholar, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were those that measured alcohol and cannabis co-use in human samples in laboratory, survey, or ecological momentary assessment studies, or that directly referenced substitution or complementary patterns of use. SEARCH RESULTS Search results returned 650 articles, with 95 meeting inclusion criteria. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Results of this review reveal compelling evidence for both substitution and complementary effects, suggesting nuanced yet significant distinctions across different populations examined in these studies. Several mechanisms for the impact of cannabis use on alcohol-related outcomes are identified, including patterns and context of co-use, timing and order of use, cannabinoid formulation, pharmacokinetic interactions, and user characteristics (including diagnostic status), all of which may influence substitution versus complementary effects. This review will inform future research studies examining this topic in both clinical and community samples and aid in the development of treatment and prevention efforts targeting those populations most vulnerable to negative consequences of co-use. Finally, this review highlights the need for additional research in more diverse samples and the use of mixed-methods designs to examine both pharmacological and contextual influences on co-use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Gunn
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Elizabeth R. Aston
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jane Metrik
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island,Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
PURPOSE A growing body of evidence has implicated the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in the acute, chronic, and withdrawal effects of alcohol/ethanol on synaptic function. These eCB-mediated synaptic effects may contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol exposure causes neurobiological alterations similar to those elicited by chronic cannabinoid (CB) exposure. Like alcohol, cannabinoids alter many central processes, such as cognition, locomotion, synaptic transmission, and neurotransmitter release. There is a strong need to elucidate the effects of ethanol on the eCB system in different brain regions to understand the role of eCB signaling in AUD. SEARCH METHODS For the scope of this review, preclinical studies were identified through queries of the PubMed database. SEARCH RESULTS This search yielded 459 articles. Clinical studies and papers irrelevant to the topic of this review were excluded. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The endocannabinoid system includes, but is not limited to, cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1), among the most abundantly expressed neuronal receptors in the brain; cannabinoid receptors 2 (CB2); and endogenously formed CB1 ligands, including arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA; anandamide), and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The development of specific CB1 agonists, such as WIN 55,212-2 (WIN), and antagonists, such as SR 141716A (rimonabant), provide powerful pharmacological tools for eCB research. Alcohol exposure has brain region-specific effects on the eCB system, including altering the synthesis of endocannabinoids (e.g., AEA, 2-AG), the synthesis of their precursors, and the density and coupling efficacy of CB1. These alcohol-induced alterations of the eCB system have subsequent effects on synaptic function including neuronal excitability and postsynaptic conductance. This review will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the current literature on the synaptic interactions of alcohol exposure and eCB signaling systems, with an emphasis on molecular and physiological synaptic effects of alcohol on the eCB system. A limited volume of studies has focused on the underlying interactions of alcohol and the eCB system at the synaptic level in the brain. Thus, the data on synaptic interactions are sparse, and future research addressing these interactions is much needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Wolfe
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Valentina Vozella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lee CM, Calhoun BH, Abdallah DA, Blayney JA, Schultz NR, Brunner M, Patrick ME. Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Use Among Young Adults: A Scoping Review of Prevalence, Patterns, Psychosocial Correlates, and Consequences. Alcohol Res 2022; 42:08. [PMID: 35548267 PMCID: PMC9059839 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v42.1.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol and marijuana are commonly used by young adults, and use of both substances, particularly at the same time, is prevalent among this population. Understanding the prevalence, patterns, correlates, and consequences of simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use is important to inform interventions. However, this literature is complicated by myriad terms used to describe SAM use, including use with overlapping effects and same-day co-use. OBJECTIVES This scoping review identifies and describes the peer-reviewed literature focused on SAM use by young adults and distinguishes simultaneous use from same-day co-use of alcohol and marijuana. This review also provides a narrative summary of the prevalence of SAM use, patterns of SAM and other substance use, psychosocial correlates, and consequences of SAM use. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA This review is limited to papers written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals between January 2000 and August 2021. It includes papers assessing simultaneous use or same-day co-use of alcohol and marijuana among young adults ages 18 to 30. Review papers, qualitative interviews, experimental lab studies, policy work, toxicology or medical reports, and papers focused on neurological outcomes are excluded. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched. Databases were selected and the search strategy developed in consultation with an information specialist. CHARTING METHODS A data charting form was utilized to specify which information would be extracted from included papers. Eight categories of data were extracted: (1) research questions and hypotheses; (2) sample characteristics; (3) study procedures; (4) definition of SAM use; (5) prevalence of SAM use; (6) patterns of SAM and other substance use; (7) psychosocial correlates of SAM use; and (8) consequences of SAM use. RESULTS A total of 1,282 papers were identified through initial search terms. Through double-blind title/abstract screening and full-text review, the review was narrowed to 74 papers that met review inclusion criteria. Review of these papers demonstrated that SAM use was prevalent among young adults, particularly among those who reported heavier quantities and more frequent use of alcohol and marijuana. Enhancement-related motives for use were consistently positively associated with SAM use. SAM use was associated with greater perceived positive and negative consequences of alcohol and/or marijuana use. Inconsistencies in prevalence, patterns, correlates, and consequences were found between studies, which may be due to large variations in measurement of SAM use, populations studied, methodological design (e.g., cross-sectional vs. intensive longitudinal), and the covariates included in models. CONCLUSIONS The literature on simultaneous use and same-day co-use of alcohol and marijuana has expanded rapidly. Of the 74 included papers (61 on SAM use; 13 on same-day co-use), 60 papers (47 on SAM use; 13 on same-day co-use) were published within the last 5 years. Future research focusing on the ways in which SAM use confers acute risk, above and beyond the risks associated with separate consumption of alcohol and marijuana, is needed for understanding potential targets for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Lee
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Brian H. Calhoun
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Devon Alisa Abdallah
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jessica A. Blayney
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nicole R. Schultz
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Meg Brunner
- Addictions, Drug, and Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Megan E. Patrick
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Paschall MJ, García-Ramírez G, Grube JW. Recreational Marijuana Legalization and Co-use With Alcohol Among Adolescents. Am J Prev Med 2022; 62:57-64. [PMID: 34426059 PMCID: PMC8688237 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about the possible impacts of recreational marijuana legalization on alcohol and marijuana co-use among underage youth. This study examines the association between recreational marijuana legalization in California in 2016 and alcohol and marijuana co-use among adolescents. Additional analyses investigate the associations between recreational marijuana legalization and co-use among past 30-day drinkers and marijuana users and the frequency of alcohol and marijuana use among co-users. METHODS This study used annual cross-sectional data from 7th, 9th, and 11th graders (N=3,319,329) who participated in the California Healthy Kids Survey from 2010-2011 to 2018-2019. Measures included past 30-day alcohol and marijuana use and student demographic characteristics, survey year, pre-post recreational marijuana legalization, and urbanicity. Multilevel regression analyses were conducted in 2021. RESULTS Recreational marijuana legalization was associated with greater odds of past 30-day alcohol and marijuana co-use in the total sample (OR=1.06, 95% CI=1.05, 1.07). Recreational marijuana legalization was more strongly associated with co-use among adolescents who reported past 30-day alcohol use (OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.52, 1.62) and heavy drinking (OR=1.25, 95% CI=1.21, 1.29) but was inversely related to co-use among past 30-day marijuana users (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.74, 0.78). Among past 30-day co-users, there was a positive association with the frequency of marijuana use (β=0.36, SE=0.07). CONCLUSIONS Recreational marijuana legalization may increase the risk of alcohol and marijuana co-use among adolescents. Greater restrictions on the numbers of alcohol and marijuana retail outlets and hours of operation and advertising and higher taxes on alcohol and marijuana products may help reduce the availability of these substances to adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallie J Paschall
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, California.
| | - Grisel García-Ramírez
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, California
| | - Joel W Grube
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, California
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stevens AK, Blanchard BE, Sokolovsky AW, Gunn RL, White HR, Jackson KM. Forgoing plans for alcohol and cannabis use in daily life: Examining reasons for nonuse when use was planned in a predominantly white college student sample. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:2167-2178. [PMID: 34762304 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14693] [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: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reasons for college students to abstain from alcohol and cannabis use on a given day can inform efforts to prevent or intervene in those behaviors. Research on reasons for alcohol nonuse remains in its nascent stages and no study to date has examined reasons for cannabis nonuse on a given day. Here we examine reasons for nonuse among college students after they planned to use alcohol and/or cannabis. METHODS College students (N = 341; Mage = 19.79; 53% women; 74% White) from 3 universities completed 54 days of data collection across which approximately 50% were nonuse days. Each morning, participants indicated whether they planned to use that day; nonuse reasons were assessed the next morning, if applicable. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to disentangle within- and between-person effects. RESULTS On a given nonuse day (at the within-person level), "work" and "school" were reasons associated with having no plan to use alcohol and "to feel in control" was linked to having no plan to use cannabis. "Did not want to get high" was related to forgoing plans (did not use when originally planned) for alcohol use at the within-person level. At the between-person level, "no desire" was associated with no plans for alcohol or cannabis use and "did not want to get high" was related to no plans for cannabis use. "School" and "could not get" were related to forgoing plans for alcohol and cannabis use, respectively, at the between-person level. CONCLUSION An examination of earlier intentions for alcohol and/or cannabis use on nonuse days yielded novel findings on the intention-behavior gap. Reasons for nonuse can inform intervention and prevention strategies (e.g., those involving social norms or just-in-time adaptive efforts) for alcohol and cannabis use on college campuses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Stevens
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Brittany E Blanchard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alexander W Sokolovsky
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Rachel L Gunn
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Helene R White
- Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kristina M Jackson
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Linden-Carmichael AN, Wardell JD. Combined use of alcohol and cannabis: Introduction to the special issue. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2021; 35:621-627. [PMID: 34591513 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Combined use of alcohol and cannabis has increased in recent years among certain age groups, and it is well established that individuals who use both alcohol and cannabis (especially if they use both at the same time) are at increased risk for substance-related harms relative to individuals who use only one substance. Far less attention has been placed on the patterns, predictors, and psychological processes associated with alcohol and cannabis co-use, which may inform prevention and intervention programming. Accordingly, this special issue was assembled to advance our understanding of the characteristics and consequences of combined use of alcohol and cannabis. METHOD In this introductory article, the Guest Editors present the background for this work and provide an overview of the 14 articles that comprise this special issue. RESULTS Studies contained in this special issue capitalize on a variety of methodologies, with a particular focus on investigating typologies of alcohol and cannabis co-use, clarifying motivational and social contexts of co-use, and tracking co-use in daily life via daily diary and ecological momentary assessment designs. Experimental and neuroimaging examinations of co-use are also included. Collectively, the studies generally provide evidence that combined use of alcohol and cannabis is associated with unique characteristics, predictors, consequences, and psychological processes relative to single-substance use. CONCLUSIONS The studies in this special issue provide new insight into combined use of alcohol and cannabis. They also highlight a number of promising avenues for future inquiry as the literature on alcohol and cannabis co-use continues to grow. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
|
32
|
Waddell JT, Gunn RL, Corbin WR, Borsari B, Metrik J. Drinking less on cannabis use days: The moderating role of UPPS-P impulsive personality traits. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2021; 35:737-748. [PMID: 34591516 PMCID: PMC8484778 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Several studies suggest that alcohol and cannabis co-users are heavier drinkers and experience more alcohol-related consequences. However, day-level associations between co-use and drinking levels are mixed. One reason may be that individual characteristics moderate the daily impact of using alcohol alone or in conjunction with cannabis. The theory would suggest that highly impulsive individuals may drink more on co-use days, yet this assertion remains untested. Therefore, the current study tested whether impulsivity moderated the effect of co-use on same-day drinking quantity within veterans, a high-risk sample for substance use and impulsivity. Method: In a longitudinal observational study, co-using veterans (N = 139) completed three semi-annual assessments reporting on their daily drinking quantity and cannabis use via Timeline Followback (Observations = 19,245) and impulsivity via the UPPS-P. Mixed effect modeling was used to test hypotheses that co-use (compared to alcohol-only) days would be associated with heavier drinking for those high (but not low) in positive and negative urgency. Results: Significant interactions were found for positive urgency (PU) and lack of perseverance (LP), such that individuals at mean and low levels of PU and LP drank less on co-use (compared to alcohol-only) days. There were no significant interactions for other UPPS-P impulsivity facets. Conclusion: Findings are consistent with a substitution/compensatory effect for individuals at mean and low levels of both UPPS-P facets, and may be a byproduct of frequent cannabis use in veterans. In contrast, findings suggest that co-use and alcohol-only days may be characterized by similarly high levels of drinking for highly impulsive individuals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel L. Gunn
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, 02903
| | | | - Brian Borsari
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Jane Metrik
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, 02903
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, 02908
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Karoly HC, Ross JM, Prince MA, Zabelski AE, Hutchison KE. Effects of cannabis use on alcohol consumption in a sample of treatment-engaged heavy drinkers in Colorado. Addiction 2021; 116:2529-2537. [PMID: 33464670 PMCID: PMC8286984 DOI: 10.1111/add.15407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cannabis is commonly used among people who drink alcohol, but evidence suggests a nuanced relationship between alcohol consumption and cannabis use. In particular, among individuals undergoing alcohol treatment the impact of cannabis on alcohol intake may depend upon cannabis use frequency. We aimed to test the effects of within-day cannabis use on total drinks consumed and likelihood of binge drinking on a given day among all participants and compare these relationships between males and females and between individuals who reported infrequent and frequent cannabis use. DESIGN This observational study is a substudy of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT). Individuals were included from the RCT if they reported any cannabis use and were divided into groups based on cannabis use patterns. Alcohol use was compared within and between groups. SETTING Individuals were recruited from 2016 to 2020 from community and university settings in Denver and Boulder, CO, USA. PARTICIPANTS Of the 182 individuals enrolled in the RCT, 96 cannabis-using subjects were included in these analyses. MEASUREMENTS Subjects completed a time-line follow-back (TLFB) at baseline, 4, 8 (end of treatment) and 20 weeks. Daily data on alcohol and cannabis use from the TLFB at all time-points were analyzed. FINDINGS Across the sample (n = 96), individuals drank approximately 29% fewer drinks [95% confidence interval (CI) = 18-39%, P < 0.001] and were 2.06 times (95% CI =1.37-3.08, P < 0.001) less likely to have a binge-drinking episode on days that cannabis was used compared with days that cannabis was not used. These patterns were observed in males, females and the infrequent and frequent cannabis use groups. Findings were inconclusive regarding differences in the association between cannabis use and alcohol outcomes when comparing males and females and when comparing infrequent and frequent cannabis use groups. CONCLUSIONS Heavy drinkers engaged in treatment to reduce their alcohol consumption who also use cannabis appear to increase their cannabis use on days when they reduce their alcohol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hollis C Karoly
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - J Megan Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mark A Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Alexandra E Zabelski
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kent E Hutchison
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Boyle HK, Gunn RL, López G, Fox OS, Merrill JE. Qualitative examination of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use reasons, evaluations, and patterns among heavy drinking young adults. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2021; 35:638-649. [PMID: 34472878 PMCID: PMC8487895 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Use of alcohol and cannabis together so their effects overlap (simultaneous use) is common among college students and associated with numerous negative consequences. The aim of this study was to gain insight into college students' recent simultaneous use events in order to inform future studies (i.e., generate hypotheses, inform measures/assessments of simultaneous use, and identify factors influencing simultaneous use). Qualitative interviews of simultaneous use experiences among heavy drinking college students (n = 38) were conducted to better understand reasons for simultaneous use, evaluations of simultaneous use events, and patterns of substance use during simultaneous use events. Findings indicated that students' reasons for simultaneous use included traditional four-factor motive types (i.e., social, conformity, enhancement, and coping), cross-fading motives, harm reduction motives (e.g., to drink less), and reactive/situational reasons (e.g., because it was offered/available). There was variability in participants' subjective evaluations of how positive versus negative simultaneous use events were and how this compared to single-substance events. Evaluation of simultaneous use events depended on patterns of use, external and internal context, and consequences experienced. Additionally, patterns of simultaneous use including order of substances, timing of using each substance, and quantities of substances used were highly variable across participants. Notably, participants endorsed patterns of use they perceived to reduce negative consequences during simultaneous use events. Further research on reasons for simultaneous use and patterns of use may help identify simultaneous use occasions that result in greater risk; identification of high-risk simultaneous use occasions and evaluation of these occasions can then help inform targeted interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly K. Boyle
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University,
Providence, RI; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public
Health, Providence, RI
| | - Rachel L. Gunn
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University,
Providence, RI; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public
Health, Providence, RI
| | - Gabriela López
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University,
Providence, RI; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public
Health, Providence, RI
| | - Oliver S. Fox
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth
School of Medicine, Scranton, PA
| | - Jennifer E. Merrill
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University,
Providence, RI; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public
Health, Providence, RI
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Waddell JT. Between- and within-group effects of alcohol and cannabis co-use on AUD/CUD in the NSDUH 2002-2019. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 225:108768. [PMID: 34049100 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol and cannabis co-use is a between-group risk factor for heavier drinking and negative consequences, but only one study has tested links between co-use and AUD. In addition, few studies focus on risk profiles within co-users, despite heterogeneity in levels of co-use. The current study tested between-group (co-users vs. alcohol-/cannabis-only users) and within-group (patterns of co-use) risk profiles for AUD and CUD in a large, nationally representative sample. METHODS Data from the 2002-2019 National Study on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) were used for analyses (N = 1,005,421). Analyses tested 1) whether co-users had greater odds of AUD/CUD than alcohol- and cannabis-only users, respectively, 2) whether there were latent profiles of co-use patterns within co-users, and 3) whether profile membership conferred within-group risk for AUD/CUD. RESULTS Co-users were at 3.38 greater odds of having an AUD, but co-use did not confer risk for CUD. Within co-users, five latent profiles emerged: weekly alcohol/cannabis use, weekly alcohol/monthly cannabis, weekly cannabis/occasional alcohol, weekly alcohol/occasional cannabis, and occasional use of both. Multiple comparisons suggested that, generally as frequency of each substance use increased, odds of both AUD and CUD became greater. CONCLUSIONS Primary alcohol users who also use cannabis are at risk for AUD, but the opposite effect was not observed in primary cannabis users. Higher frequency of each substance also conferred risk within co-users for both AUD and CUD. Findings add novel contributions that should be considered within both alcohol and cannabis use interventions. Future studies using prospective data are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Waddell
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, 900 S McAllister, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Choi NG, Choi BY, Marti CN, DiNitto DM. Is cannabis use associated with prescription psychotropic and pain reliever medication and other substance use among individuals aged 50+ with mental illness? Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 225:108842. [PMID: 34186443 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increasing rates of nonmedical and/or medical cannabis use in the 50+ age group, scant research exists on the associations between cannabis use and prescription medication use. In this study, we examined associations of use of prescription tranquilizers, sedatives, stimulants, and pain relievers, tobacco products, any/binge/heavy alcohol, and illicit drugs with cannabis use and use characteristics among U.S. adults aged 50+ years with past-year mental illness (n = 6454). METHODS Data are from the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). We used logistic regression models to examine associations of past-month use of each substance with (1) cannabis use among all those with past-year mental illness, and (2) cannabis use characteristics among cannabis users, controlling for severity of mental illness and sociodemographic and health characteristics. RESULTS Of individuals aged 50+, 14.1 % had any past-year mental illness, and 9.7 % of those with mental illness, compared to 4.0 % of those without, reported past-month cannabis use. Compared to nonusers, cannabis users had higher odds of using each substance except antidepressants, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.3 (sedatives) to 3.6 (illicit drugs). Compared to nonmedical cannabis users, medical users had 2-2.5 times higher likelihood of co-use of tranquilizers, sedatives, and prescription pain relievers but lower odds of binge and heavy alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS Cannabis users, especially medical cannabis users, are significantly more likely to use prescription psychotropic or pain medications. Healthcare professionals should assess for poly-substance use and potential adverse effects among older adults with mental illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namkee G Choi
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78702, USA.
| | - Bryan Y Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19131, USA; Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover, DE, 19901, USA
| | - C Nathan Marti
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78702, USA
| | - Diana M DiNitto
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78702, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Calvert CM, Erickson D. Recreational cannabis legalization and alcohol purchasing: a difference-in-differences analysis. J Cannabis Res 2021; 3:27. [PMID: 34233755 PMCID: PMC8264988 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-021-00085-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Whether recreational cannabis legalization is associated with changes in alcohol consumption (suggesting a potential substitution or complementary relationship) is a key question as cannabis policy evolves, particularly given the adverse health and social effects of alcohol use. Relatively little research has explored this question. Methods This study examined the association between recreational cannabis legalization and alcohol purchasing in the USA using an interrupted time series design. We used data from the Nielsen Consumer Panel (2004–2017) from 69,761 households in all 50 states to calculate monthly milliliters of pure ethanol purchased for four beverage categories (beer, wine, spirits, and all alcohol products). We used difference-in-differences models and robust cluster standard errors to compare changes in milliliters of pure ethanol purchased. We fit models for each beverage category, comparing three “policy” states that have legalized recreational cannabis (Colorado, Oregon, and Washington) to states that had not legalized recreational cannabis. In one set of models, a single control state was selected that matched pre-policy purchasing trends in the policy states. In another set, policy states were compared to all states that had not legalized recreational cannabis. Results Compared to all other states that did not legalize recreational cannabis, Colorado households showed a 13% average monthly decrease in purchases of all alcoholic products combined (estimate, 0.87; CI, 0.77, 0.98) and a 6% decrease in wine (0.94; CI, 0.89, 0.99). Estimates in Washington were suggestive of an increase in spirits purchased in both the unrestricted (1.24; CI, 1.12, 1.37) and restricted sample (1.18; CI, 1.02, 1.36). Oregon showed a significant decrease in monthly spirits purchased when compared to its selected comparator state (0.87; CI, 0.77, 0.99) and to all other states without legalized recreational cannabis (0.85; CI, 0.77, 0.95). Conclusions Results suggest that alcohol and cannabis are not clearly substitutes nor complements to one-another. Future studies should examine additional states as more time passes and more post-legalization data becomes available, use cannabis purchase data and consider additional methods for control selection in quasi-experimental studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collin M Calvert
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 S. 2nd Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN, 55454-1015, USA.
| | - Darin Erickson
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 S. 2nd Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN, 55454-1015, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Guttmannova K, Fleming CB, Rhew IC, Abdallah DA, Patrick ME, Duckworth JC, Lee CM. Dual trajectories of cannabis and alcohol use among young adults in a state with legal nonmedical cannabis. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:1458-1467. [PMID: 34089527 PMCID: PMC8357031 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the nature of the association between cannabis and alcohol use within individuals over time in the era of legalized cannabis is of crucial importance for assessing the public health consequences of increasing cannabis use. An important unanswered question is whether cannabis and alcohol use substitute for one another. Specifically, is greater use of one substance associated with less use of the other substance (i.e., a negative association) or are the substances complementary and their association positive? METHODS We used 24 consecutive months of data on a young adult sample (n = 774; 56% female, age 18-25 during the study) who drank alcohol in the year prior to enrollment. The sample was recruited in Washington State in 2015/2016 (after legalization of nonmedical cannabis) using media advertisements and community flyers and outreach. Using parallel process latent growth curve models, we assessed three types of association between cannabis and alcohol use across the 24-month period: (1) an association between average levels of cannabis and alcohol use; (2) an association between rates of change in cannabis and alcohol use; and (3) correlations between shorter-term deviations/fluctuations off of longer-term trajectories of level and change in cannabis and alcohol use. RESULTS We found a positive association between the average frequency of cannabis and alcohol use; individuals who used cannabis more frequently on average also drank alcohol more frequently on average. Change over time in cannabis use was positively associated with change in alcohol use. There was also a contemporaneous positive association between fluctuations in cannabis and alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we found no evidence of substitution. Rather, the results suggest a complementary relationship between cannabis and alcohol use, such that the use of cannabis and alcohol rises and falls together.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Guttmannova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles B. Fleming
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Isaac C. Rhew
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Devon Alisa Abdallah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Megan E. Patrick
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Christine M. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jørgenrud B, Furuhaugen H, Gjerde H. Prevalence and Correlates of Illicit Drug Use among Norwegian Nightlife Patrons. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:1697-1706. [PMID: 34251973 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1949613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nightclubs and bars are recreational settings with extensive availability and consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs. OBJECTIVES This study aims to determine the proportion of nightclub patrons in Norway that tested positive for illicit drugs, moreover, we examined the correlation between positive test results and demographic and substance use characteristics. METHODS Patrons were recruited outside nightclubs on Friday and Saturday nights between 10:00 pm and 04:00 am. Substance use was determined by breath testing and oral fluid testing for alcohol and drugs, respectively, using accurate and specific analytical methods. Questionnaires recorded demographic and substance use characteristics. RESULTS Of the 1988 included nightclub patrons, 90% tested positive for alcohol, 14% for illicit drug use, and 3% for two or more illicit drugs. The proportion of patrons who tested positive for illicit drugs was highest in the early hours of the morning. Nine out of ten who tested positive for illicit drugs also consumed alcohol. Testing positive for one or more illicit drugs was most strongly correlated with being male and unemployed, using tobacco or other nicotine products, and early on-set illicit drug use; further the correlations were strongest among those who tested positive for two or more illicit drugs.Conclusions/Importance: Patrons who used illicit drugs before or during nightclub visits most often combined drug use with alcohol consumption. Substituting alcohol with cannabis or other drugs was not common in this cohort. The study results provide evidence to introduce harm-reduction prevention programs to address illicit drug and excessive alcohol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedicte Jørgenrud
- Section of Drug Abuse Research, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håvard Furuhaugen
- Section of Drug Abuse Research, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hallvard Gjerde
- Section of Drug Abuse Research, Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Karoly HC, Mueller RL, Andrade CC, Hutchison KE. Investigating Relationships Between Alcohol and Cannabis Use in an Online Survey of Cannabis Users: A Focus on Cannabinoid Content and Cannabis for Medical Purposes. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:613243. [PMID: 33408657 PMCID: PMC7779394 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.613243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is commonly used among people who drink alcohol, but findings are mixed regarding the direction of this relationship. The type of cannabis used [high-cannabidiol (CBD) vs. high-delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] and motives for use (i.e., whether cannabis is used to treat a medical condition) may influence the relationship between cannabis and drinking. Specifically, CBD has shown preclinical promise in reducing alcohol consumption, and medical cannabis users report using cannabis to reduce drinking. This study leverages survey data from cannabis users who drink alcohol (N = 533). Respondents were categorized as using cannabis to treat (CTT) a medical condition or as individuals whose cannabis use is not intended to treat (NCTT) a medical condition and grouped based on the THC/CBD ratio of the flower or edible cannabis they typically use (e.g., "High-THC/CBD," "Medium-THC/CBD" and "Low-THC/CBD"). The CTT group (n = 412) reported drinking significantly less frequently than the NCTT group (n = 121). Cannabinoid content of flower cannabis was associated with alcohol consumed on cannabis-use days, such that individuals in the High-THC/CBD group drink more on cannabis-use days compared to the Medium-THC/CBD group. Cannabinoid content of edible cannabis was associated with drinks per drinking occasion, such that the High-THC/CBD group consumed the most drinks and the Low-THC/CBD group consumed the fewest. For both edible and flower groupings, higher-THC/CBD cannabis was associated with more frequent co-use than lower-THC/CBD cannabis. Results suggest that whether someone uses cannabis to treat a medical condition may impact their drinking frequency, and the cannabinoid content in flower and edible cannabis impacts alcohol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hollis C Karoly
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States.,Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Raeghan L Mueller
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Chrysta C Andrade
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Kent E Hutchison
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|