Among 329 weekly cannabis users, those with higher motives and expectations for cannabis use had more psychosis symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, and were more likely to meet criteria for cannabis use disorder.
Clinicians screening cannabis users, addiction counselors, and mental health researchers.
High-motives users had more psychosis, depression, and anxiety
What the researchers found
Two distinct user classes emerged: Low Motives/Expectancies (n=158) and High Motives/Expectancies (n=171). The High class reported higher symptoms of psychosis (positive and negative), depression, anxiety, and stress. They were more likely to meet cannabis use disorder criteria, had more nicotine dependence and other illicit drug use, and were more likely to get high before work and drive under the influence.
Why it matters
Not all regular cannabis users are alike. Identifying high-risk profiles based on motives and expectations could help target interventions to those most likely to experience problems.
The numbers in context
329 weekly users. 2 classes: Low Motives (n=158) and High Motives (n=171). High class had more psychosis symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, CUD criteria, nicotine dependence, and reckless behavior.
How the study worked
Online survey of 329 weekly cannabis users via Amazon Mechanical Turk. Latent class analysis using motives and expectations to identify user profiles. Classes compared on mental health and behavioral outcomes.
What this study cannot tell us
Amazon Mechanical Turk sample may not represent all cannabis users. Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Self-reported measures. Weekly use threshold may capture diverse use patterns.
How to read the evidence
Novel latent class approach with multiple validated measures, but online convenience sample and cross-sectional design.
When this study was published
2020 study.
The bigger picture
As cannabis becomes more accessible, tools that identify which regular users are at highest risk for negative outcomes become increasingly valuable for clinical screening.
Questions still open
- Can motives-based screening identify at-risk users before problems develop? Would targeted interventions for high-motives users reduce harm?
Common questions
Are some regular cannabis users at higher risk than others?
What distinguishes high-risk cannabis users?
Read the original research
Young Adults With Higher Motives and Expectancies of Regular Cannabis Use Show Poorer Psychosocial Functioning.
Frontiers in psychiatry, 11, 599365
Citation
Amiet, Danielle; Youssef, George J; Hagg, Lauryn J; Lorenzetti, Valentina; Parkes, Linden; Solowij, Nadia; Yücel, Murat. (2020). Young Adults With Higher Motives and Expectancies of Regular Cannabis Use Show Poorer Psychosocial Functioning.. Frontiers in psychiatry, 11, 599365. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.599365
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