A tailored web-based program helped young adults reduce their cannabis use

Randomized controlled trial with 588 young adults (18-24 years) from adult education centers in Quebec. Participants were randomly assigned to a web-based tailored intervention or control group. Cannabis use (primary outcome) and intention to abstain (secondary outcome) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Intention-to-treat analysis was used.

Young adults who use cannabis frequently are often difficult to reach through traditional treatment programs. Web-based interventions can be delivered at scale, at low cost, and without the stigma associated with formal treatment. This study demonstrates that even a brief tailored online program can produce measurable reductions in cannabis use.

As cannabis becomes more accessible, low-threshold interventions for young adults who want to reduce but not necessarily eliminate their use become increasingly important. Web-based tools can serve as a first step in the care continuum, reaching people who would not seek formal treatment.

The follow-up period was short, and it is unclear if reductions were sustained. The effect size was modest (about 6 percentage point difference). Self-reported cannabis use may be unreliable. The study was conducted in Quebec adult education centers, which may not represent all young adult populations. Attrition rates were not detailed.