Higher trait mindfulness linked to fewer cannabis-related problems in frequent young users | Research

The takeaway

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.

Researchers studying mindfulness interventions, clinicians working with young cannabis users, and anyone interested in the mindfulness-substance use connection.

Higher mindfulness = fewer cannabis problems (P = 0.004)

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Small pilot study sample with cross-sectional design, though the focus on an understudied population of frequent young users adds value.

When this study was published

Published in 2021.

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?

Questions still open

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?

Common 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.

Read the original research

Trait mindfulness and cannabis use-related factors in adolescents and young adults with frequent use.

Substance abuse, 42(4), 968-973

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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