Cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a longitudinal study of Cannabis users

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has shifted life in the United States. It is reasonable to expect the challenges of cannabis use in the U.S. are amplified given the vast shutdowns and economic insecurity. The purpose of the research is to examine changes in adult cannabis use during COVID-19. Methods: This one-group, longitudinal, cohort study reports results from an online survey and six-month follow-up. Both surveys examined cannabis use and additional questions regarding COVID-19 were added to the follow-up. Quantitative analysis (e.g., ANOVA) was conducted on the questionnaire and thematic analysis was performed on a text question. Results: A majority of the sample (65.7%) reported no significant change in cannabis use as a result of COVID-19. A one-way ANOVA of CUDIT-R scores showed statistical significance (p < .01) between age groups. Contrary to the quantitative analysis, thematic analysis revealed many changes in cannabis use as a response to COVID-19. Conclusions:. Self-efficacy can be seen through the empowered behaviors to change cannabis products but those with an increase in CUDIT-R scores may need targeted assessments and education to promote healthier cannabis use. Additionally, this study calls for a larger examination of changes in cannabis use by age and working conditions.

A Prospective Study of Mental Health, Well-Being, and Substance Use During the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic Surge

“…Studies of front-line medical workers and of the general population in China, where the pandemic first emerged, indicated high levels of psychological distress in the peripandemic period, including depression, anxiety, and panic disorder (Lang et al, 2020;Qiu et al, 2020;Wang et al, 2020). Early findings from the United States and Canada indicated increased alcohol and cannabis use (Miller et al, 2021;Pollard et al, 2020), leading substance abuse prevention and treatment organizations to sound the alarm about the effects that the stress and isolation associated with the pandemic may have on rates of substance misuse and, for those in recovery, relapse (Panchal et al, 2020). In addition, relationship science experts have warned that COVID-19 disruptions may threaten relationship health by triggering harmful processes within couples and families (Pietromonaco & Overall, 2021).…”

Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

“…A few studies examined the impact of the pandemic on cannabis use in relation to concerns about general health, or physical health disorders such as endometriosis or obesity. For example, those who were focused on their health during the pandemic were found to decrease their cannabis use [ 71 , 72 ], whereas those who experienced health issues (e.g., obesity) [ 16 , 73 ], increased symptom burden [ 4 , 35 ], or reduced access to healthcare [ 35 ] were found to increase/initiate cannabis use during the pandemic.…”

“…Those who experienced stress [ 5 , 8 , 12 , 35 , 42 , 58 , 61 , 72 , 75 , 80 , 81 ], boredom [ 4 , 10 , 36 , 38 , 41 , 43 , 45 , 54 , 61 , 71 , 77 , 80 , 81 ], more free time [ 33 , 38 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 71 ], disrupted daily routine [ 42 , 80 , 81 ], work from home [ 32 , 72 ], or social isolation/reduced social support [ 5 , 8 , 12 , 17 , 47 , 54 , 61 , 74 , 80 , 82 ] due to the pandemic were found to increase/initiate cannabis use. Those who perceived that cannabis use would not increase their risk of COVID-19 [ 55 ] or those who experienced COVID-19 symptoms [ 32 ] increased cannabis use, whereas those who were at risk of COVID-19 [ 33 ] or perceived more harm due to COVID-19 [ 42 ] decreased their cannabis use.…”

“…Those who experienced cannabis craving/dependence [ 8 , 39 , 83 ], had easier access to cannabis [ 8 , 61 , 81 ], or had higher stockpile of cannabis [ 80 ] were found to increase/initiate cannabis use whereas decrease/cessation of cannabis use was reported among those who had reduced opportunities to consume cannabis [ 38 , 41 , 42 , 61 , 71 , 77 , 80 , 84 ], reduced access to cannabis [ 4 , 35 , 36 , 77 , 84 ], or lower stockpile of cannabis [ 72 , 80 ].…”