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Study breakdown

Cannabis Demand Measures Predict How Much Young Adults Will Use Three Months Later

Prospective CohortModerate evidence
The takeaway

Both current and projected future cannabis demand predicted use frequency three months later, suggesting demand-based screening could identify at-risk young adults.

Addiction researchers, clinicians, and behavioral economists.

Both current and projected demand predicted 3-month use

What the researchers found

Demand measures were stable across 3 months. Participants accurately projected future demand. Both current and projected demand predicted 3-month cannabis use frequency.

Why it matters

A simple purchase task can forecast cannabis use three months out, enabling potential early intervention.

The numbers in context

Three MPT timepoints compared; demand stable; both current and projected predicted future use.

How the study worked

Prospective cohort. Young adult cannabis users completed current and projected Marijuana Purchase Tasks at baseline, then reassessed at 3 months.

What this study cannot tell us

Sample size not detailed. Short follow-up. Hypothetical purchase scenarios.

How to read the evidence

Prospective design with validated measures. Limited detail on sample and effect sizes.

When this study was published

2025 study of prospective cannabis demand-use associations.

The bigger picture

Extends behavioral economic purchase tasks from cross-sectional to prospective prediction of substance use.

Questions still open

  • Could MPT-based screening enable early intervention?
  • Does projected demand add value beyond current demand?

Common questions

Can you predict future cannabis use?
A purchase task measuring hypothetical buying predicted actual use three months later.
Can people predict their own future use?
Participants projected future demand with reasonable accuracy.

Read the original research

Current and Projected Cannabis Demand Predict Future Consumption in Young Adults Who Use Cannabis.

Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 8(3), 56-71

Citation

Kurnellas, Rebecca; Sutton, Cassandra A; Jun, Daiil; Taylor, Hailey; Smith, Aaron P; Foxx, Ricarda; Yurasek, Ali M; Yi, Richard. (2025). Current and Projected Cannabis Demand Predict Future Consumption in Young Adults Who Use Cannabis.. Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 8(3), 56-71. https://doi.org/10.26828/cannabis/2025/000324

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