Cannabis use, Attitudes, Regulation and Health: Survey Data from an Urban Population of users and Non-Users

Abstract

Background: Although illegal in most countries, cannabis remains the most common illicit drug in Switzerland and worldwide. While there is growing evidence on adverse effects of cannabis use, most users do not report any problems or negative consequences. In the face of a sustained high prevalence of cannabis use and the recent legalization waves in different parts of the world, it is important to know how cannabis is perceived in the general population and how current users regulate their own use. The present study aims to investigate users’ and non-users’ attitudes towards cannabis regulations and towards current users. Additionally, self-rated health measures as well as protective behavioral strategies and other cannabis related variables were assessed.Design and Method: We collected data from 380 current users and 659 non-users who were recruited by invitation letter or online media platforms. The data was analyzed using basic descriptive statistical procedures.Results: Results revealed that both groups favor moderate cannabis regulation measures over prohibition and no regulation at all. On average, they report the same subjective health. Protective strategies are often used and are associated with better health and lower severity of dependence in cannabis users.Conclusions: Taken together, results indicate that safe use of cannabis is possible for most users, while there is a group of users at risk of 15-20 %, which may benefit from control by regulatory measures.

Attitudes to Cannabis Use and Public Prevention Information Among Young Adults: A Qualitative Interview Study With Implications for Prevention Practice

“…This opinion was expressed by those who had never tried cannabis as well as those who regularly used it, the latter partly because they wanted to use the drug "safely." Previous studies support the health benefits of self-management and protective strategies when using cannabis (39,(77)(78)(79). Whether such benefits could outweigh the results of a strict focus on risks with regard to public health in a country like Sweden, where the prevalence of cannabis still is fairly low, remains to be explored, and also which implications for information interventions such knowledge might generate.…”

“…In parallel with global liberalization of cannabis policy, people, including adolescents and young adults, report a less negative attitude toward cannabis, lowered risk awareness, and increased use (25,(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35). When asked about reasons for using cannabis, users report a number of perceived positive effects, such as relaxation, anxiety management (35,36), increased creativity or productivity, facilitation of social contact (35), relief of pain, and other symptoms, especially when using cannabis for medical purposes (37,38), and less side effects than for example when using alcohol (38,39).…”

“…Moreover, Swedish cannabis information symposia focus primarily on youth consumers, who are seen as particularly vulnerable to cannabis harmful consequences ( 69 ). Against this background, reasons for use, self-management or other harm reduction messages are not provided in Swedish public information on cannabis ( 39 , 68 ). However, further research is needed to determine why public information on cannabis does not have the intended impact and how it should be modified to attain the desired effect, especially in the light of the international trends of deregulation and legalization of cannabis in recent years.…”