A recent study published in the Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, conducted by researchers from UC Davis Health and the University of Washington, aimed to uncover the motives behind teens’ cannabis use and the resulting consequences.
Over a six-month period, the researchers surveyed teens, finding a correlation between the demand for cannabis and specific motivations, shedding light on the potential impact on negative outcomes. The study delved into the motivations of teens who demonstrated a higher “demand” for cannabis, indicating a willingness to consume more when it is free and a propensity to spend more overall to obtain it.
Surprisingly, those with a greater demand for cannabis were found to use it primarily for enjoyment. This enjoyment factor was linked to increased cannabis consumption and a higher likelihood of experiencing negative consequences.Â
Nicole Schultz, the first author of the study and an assistant professor in the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, emphasized the importance of understanding why adolescents use marijuana for prevention and intervention. Schultz stated, “We know that earlier onset of cannabis use is associated with the likelihood of developing a cannabis use disorder.
It is important we understand what variables contribute to their use so that we can develop effective strategies to intervene early.” The study highlighted that teens with a higher demand for cannabis were also likely to use it as a coping mechanism, specifically to forget their problems. However, using cannabis to cope was associated with experiencing more negative consequences, as identified by the Marijuana Consequences Checklist.
Negative effects included difficulties with memory, and concentration, and engaging in foolish or goofy behavior. Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, pot, or weed, is the most used federally illegal drug in the United States. Despite its illegal status at the federal level, as of November 2023, 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for medicinal and recreational use.Â
The increased use of cannabis among adolescents is a growing public health concern. In 2022, 30.7% of twelfth graders reported using cannabis in the past year, and 6.3% reported using it daily in the past 30 days. A study from Columbia University earlier in the year found that teens using cannabis recreationally are two to four times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders, such as depression and suicidality, compared to non-users.Â
Schultz emphasized the dynamic nature of reasons behind substance use, noting that motivations can change over time. Understanding these motivations is crucial for effective prevention and intervention strategies. The study employed mediation analysis to focus on two primary motives for cannabis use: enjoyment and coping.
The researchers explored how these motives explained the relationship between cannabis demand and outcomes, including negative consequences and use. The participants in the study were aged 15 to 18, comprising high school students and four-year college students living in the greater metropolitan area of Seattle. The study found that greater cannabis demand was significantly associated with using cannabis for enjoyment, often linked to the initiation of use rather than problematic use.Â
Participants demonstrating a willingness to consume more cannabis at no cost, spend more money overall, and continue spending at higher costs were positively associated with using cannabis as a coping mechanism. Both coping and enjoyment motives were correlated with negative consequences, including increased anxiety, regrettable decision-making, and issues with school or employment.Â
While the study provides valuable insights, it acknowledges limitations, such as a lack of diversity among participants, with nearly 88% identifying as white. The self-reported nature of participants’ cannabis usage and the regional specificity of the results, given Seattle’s legalization status, were also noted as potential limitations.Â
The study suggests that understanding and addressing teens’ motivations for cannabis use, especially focusing on substance-free activities that provide enjoyment and help cope with negative feelings, may contribute to reducing cannabis consumption and mitigating associated negative consequences. Â
Journal Reference Â
Nicole R. Schultz et al, Why get high? Coping and enjoyment motives mediate elevated cannabis demand and cannabis-related outcomes., Psychology of Addictive Behaviors (2023). DOI: 10.1037/adb0000937Â
