Cannabis Use Patterns Among Young Adults and Associations With Social and Health Outcomes.

Trajectoires Individuelles de Consommation de Cannabis en Situation Habituelle et Observations de Leurs Modalités en Contexte Écologique

The purpose of this study is to identify and characterize patterns of non-therapeutic cannabis consumption and their variation in time in regular/daily users aged 18-24 years using a multi-factor approach (frequency of use, product types, cannabinoid dosages) over a two-year period.

Changes in the legal status of cannabis in Canada have highlighted the need for knowledge about the substance and its effects at individual, population and societal levels. In Quebec, in the past year, one in four cannabis users reported weekly use, and around 15% reported daily use. More specifically, young people between the ages of 18 and 24 account for the largest proportion of this consumption, representing a large proportion of these regular to daily users. Little information is currently available about the correlates, evolution and effects of regular, daily cannabis use in this age group, despite the fact that it is the most widely used in the province.

Such comprehensive longitudinal data on consumption dynamics within this population is crucial for our understanding of whether and how cannabis use trajectories vary over time, characterizing the health and social consequences of cannabis consumption at this critical stage in human development, and ultimately providing evidence for the development of strategies to prevent and mitigate potential harms to this specific population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 24 years of age;
• Cannabis use frequency of at least 1 day/week in the past three months;
• Ability to speak and read French or English;
• willingness to comply with all study procedures;
• access to a mobile phone.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Planned extended absence during study period (e.g. pending legal action, surgery, incarceration, inpatient residential program) which, in the opinion of the research staff, might prevent completion of the study;
• Current or anticipated treatment for cannabis use disorder, confirmed via self-report;
• Medical document authorizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes;
• Participation in clinical studies or undergoing other investigational procedures involving cannabis or cannabinoids administration.