Higher trait mindfulness linked to fewer cannabis-related problems in frequent young users
Among 70 adolescents and young adults using cannabis at least three times weekly, higher trait mindfulness was associated with fewer cannabis-related problems and fewer quit attempts.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Higher mindfulness scores correlated with fewer cannabis-related problems (P = 0.004) and fewer quit attempts (P = 0.035). However, trait mindfulness did not predict motivation to change cannabis use.
Key Numbers
70 participants; mean age 20.7 years; 60% female; 47% Black non-Hispanic; mean cannabis initiation age 15.0 years; regular use by age 17.0 years
How They Did This
Seventy participants aged 15-24 using cannabis three or more times weekly were recruited from clinics for a cannabis intervention pilot trial. Baseline assessments measured cannabis history, use-related problems, quit attempts, and trait mindfulness.
Why This Research Matters
Mindfulness-based interventions are gaining traction in addiction treatment. Understanding the relationship between trait mindfulness and cannabis-related outcomes in young frequent users helps clarify whether mindfulness is a promising treatment target.
The Bigger Picture
The finding that higher mindfulness was associated with both fewer problems and fewer quit attempts raises an interesting question: are more mindful users experiencing less harm and therefore feeling less need to quit, or are other factors at play?
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small sample of 70 participants. Cross-sectional baseline data from a pilot trial. Cannot determine whether mindfulness causes fewer problems or whether people with fewer problems tend to be more mindful. Single-city recruitment.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does improving trait mindfulness through intervention actually reduce cannabis-related problems?
- ?Why was mindfulness not linked to motivation to change?
- ?Would these patterns hold in a larger, more diverse sample?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Higher mindfulness = fewer cannabis problems (P = 0.004)
- Evidence Grade:
- Small pilot study sample with cross-sectional design, though the focus on an understudied population of frequent young users adds value.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2021.
- Original Title:
- Trait mindfulness and cannabis use-related factors in adolescents and young adults with frequent use.
- Published In:
- Substance abuse, 42(4), 968-973 (2021)
- Authors:
- Lin, Jessica A, Harris, Sion Kim(5), Shrier, Lydia A(8)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03294
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Did more mindful people want to quit cannabis?
No. Trait mindfulness was not associated with motivation to change cannabis use, even though it was associated with fewer problems.
How often were participants using cannabis?
All participants used cannabis at least three times per week, with regular use starting at an average age of 17.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03294APA
Lin, Jessica A; Harris, Sion Kim; Shrier, Lydia A. (2021). Trait mindfulness and cannabis use-related factors in adolescents and young adults with frequent use.. Substance abuse, 42(4), 968-973. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2021.1901179
MLA
Lin, Jessica A, et al. "Trait mindfulness and cannabis use-related factors in adolescents and young adults with frequent use.." Substance abuse, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2021.1901179
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Trait mindfulness and cannabis use-related factors in adoles..." RTHC-03294. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/lin-2021-trait-mindfulness-and-cannabis
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.