Context matters: Characteristics of solitary versus social cannabis use

• Published in: Drug and alcohol review Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 316 - 320
• Main Authors: Spinella, Toni C., Stewart, Sherry H., Barrett, Sean P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 01.03.2019; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adult; adults; Canada; Cannabis; cannabis problems; Female; Humans; Male; Marijuana; Marijuana Abuse - psychology; Middle Aged; Psychosis; Public policy; Risk factors; Social Behavior; social context; Social environment; solitary cannabis use; Young Adult; Canada; cannabis; solitary cannabis use; social context; cannabis problems; adults
• ISSN: 0959-5236; 1465-3362
• DOI: 10.1111/dar.12912

Introduction and Aims Given the increase in cannabis availability and use in North America, identification of risk factors for cannabis use and dependence is paramount. One factor that may be associated with various cannabis‐related adverse outcomes is the context in which it is used. This secondary analysis study sought to examine the extent to which the social context of cannabis use is related to patterns of use and associated harms. Design and Methods One hundred and eighty‐eight adult cannabis users were community‐recruited in Halifax, Canada. Participants took part in a face‐to‐face structured interview where they provided information about the social context of their most recent cannabis‐using occasion and about their patterns of, and motives for, cannabis use. Results Compared to individuals reporting their most recent cannabis‐using occasion as social, solitary users (n = 55) were significantly more likely to screen positive for psychosis, endorse more symptoms of cannabis abuse/dependence, report using cannabis to cope, and use cannabis on more days within the previous 30 days. On the other hand, social users were significantly more likely to report using alcohol in addition to cannabis during their most recent cannabis‐using occasion (all P < 0.05). Discussion and Conclusions Results suggest that solitary cannabis use may be associated with specific motives for use and future adverse consequences. Findings from this study serve as a guide for future investigations which could ultimately inform public policy and the development of targeted harm‐reduction strategies.