Dysregulation as a correlate of cannabis use and problem use

Abstract

Objective: Cannabis users with a dysregulatory risk factor may be particularly vulnerable to engaging in more frequent and problematic cannabis use. Contemporary models of dysregulated behavior suggest that dysregulation emerges due to distinct mechanisms. The current study seeks to examine the dysregulatory correlates of cannabis involvement, including working memory capacity, delay discounting, impulsivity, and reward sensitivity.Method: Participants were 104 non-treatment seeking frequent cannabis users (the average participant used cannabis 71% of the days/past 60 days [SD= 22%], with an average of two uses per day [SD= 1.2]). Mean age was 21.3 (SD= 4.3); 36.5% were female. Working memory was assessed via the Trail-Making Test-B and the Digit Span subtests of the WAIS-III, delay discounting was assessed via a computer-based task, trait impulsivity was self-reported via the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and reward sensitivity was self-reported via the Reward Dependence Scale and the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale.Results: Structural equation modeling estimated the associations between different facets of dysregulation and cannabis involvement. Results suggest that poor working memory capacity and high trait impulsivity were associated with both use and problem use. Greater delay discounting was associated with problem use, but not with frequency of use. Low reward sensitivity was associated with more frequent cannabis use, but not with problem use. Conclusions:Results confirm that the dysregulatory correlates of cannabis involvement consist of multiple dimensions of functioning. Prospective studies that assess the multidimensional structure of dysregulation and cannabis involvement are needed in order to disaggregate the dysregulatory antecedents and consequences of cannabis involvement.

Greater delay discounting and cannabis coping motives are associated with more frequent cannabis use in a large sample of adult cannabis users

“…The rise in cannabis use is concerning because it is linked to biopsychosocial impairments characteristic of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD; Budney, 2006;Hasin et al, 2013;Volkow et al, 2014). Like other substances, cannabis use is thought to be driven by imbalances between a deliberative neural system that mediates cognitive control and future valuation, and a reactive system that facilitates reward and emotional processes (Kim-Spoon et al, 2019;Lopez-Vergara et al, 2019). This approach posits that maladaptive decisions either occur through failures of selfregulation, the exertion of control (top-down) over reflexive processes to achieve long-term goals (Bickel et al, 2012), or through impaired emotion regulation, the adaptive control of one's emotional processes (bottom-up; Bickel et al, 2018).…”

Down and High: Reflections Regarding Depression and Cannabis

“…CU as a contributor to anhedonia has been proposed as a path whereby CU may contribute to depression (5,78). Several studies have reported apathy and anhedonia in cannabis users (81)(82)(83), while others failed to detect this phenomenon (84)(85)(86). Decreased cerebral activation in response to reward is reduced in cannabis users, and more so in those with recent heavy CU (87).…”

Additive roles of tobacco and cannabis co-use in relation to delay discounting in a sample of heavy drinkers

“…Relative to the effect sizes observed in the aforementioned drug classes, the relationship between delay discounting and cannabis use is unclear (Strickland et al 2020). While there is evidence that delay discounting is associated with cannabis use frequency and severity (Aston et al 2016;Kim-Spoon et al 2019;Lopez-Vergara et al 2019;Sofis et al 2020), there have also been null findings (Dennhardt et al 2015;Heinz et al 2013;Johnson et al 2010;Peters et al 2013). A recent meta-analysis found that the relationship between delay discounting and cannabis did not differ from other substances (Amlung et al 2017).…”