Are reasons for first using cannabis associated with subsequent cannabis consumption (standard THC units) and psychopathology?

ABSTRACT: Reasons for first using cannabis (RFUC) may influence later use patterns and mental health outcomes. However, limited research has explored self-medication versus social RFUCs in depth, and their associations with cannabis use patterns and psychopathology in the general population. We examined RFUCs and their associations with (1) reasons for continuing cannabis use, (2) weekly THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) unit consumption and (3) symptoms of paranoia, anxiety and depressive symptoms. We analysed data from the Cannabis&Me (CAMe) population survey (March 2022-July 2024), including 2573 (75.9%) current and 816 (24.1%) past cannabis users aged 18 years or older. Participants reported a mean weekly consumption of 206 THC units (SD=268). Initiating cannabis use for anxiety (β=36.22, p=3.3

SUBMITTER: Spinazzola E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12382515 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature