Emerging adults had varying awareness and perceptions of higher-risk cannabis consumption behaviors identified in harm reduction guidelines.
Public health communicators, harm reduction organizations, cannabis educators, and young adults.
Risk underestimationEmerging adults underestimated some higher-risk cannabis behaviors identified in harm reduction guidelines
What the researchers found
Young adults perceptions of higher-risk cannabis behaviors (such as high-potency use, early onset, daily use, and driving after use) varied significantly, with some risks underestimated and harm reduction guidelines not well known.
Why it matters
Emerging adults (18-25) have the highest cannabis use rates in Canada and are most vulnerable to harms. Understanding their risk perceptions can improve targeted harm reduction messaging.
The numbers in context
Emerging adults have the highest cannabis consumption rates in Canada and are among the most vulnerable to cannabis-related harms.
How the study worked
Qualitative study examining emerging adult perceptions of higher-risk cannabis consumption behaviors defined by the Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines.
Who was studied
Emerging adults (young adults aged approximately 18-25) in Canada who use cannabis.
What this study cannot tell us
Qualitative design with limited sample; perceptions may not predict behavior; Canadian context may not generalize to other countries.
How to read the evidence
Qualitative study providing perceptual insights; not generalizable but identifies important communication gaps.
When this study was published
Recent study informing post-legalization harm reduction messaging.
The bigger picture
This research bridges the gap between expert-defined harm reduction guidelines and actual user perceptions, enabling more effective public health communication with the highest-risk age group.
Replication
Qualitative study specific to Canadian post-legalization context; findings likely relevant to other jurisdictions.
Funding
Not specified
Conflicts of interest
Not specified
Questions still open
- Which risks do young adults most underestimate?
- How can harm reduction guidelines be communicated more effectively?
- Do risk perceptions change with cannabis experience?
Read the original research
Emerging adult perceptions of higher-risk cannabis consumption behaviours.
Harm reduction journal, 20(1), 127
Citation
McMahon, Isobel; Harris-Lane, Laura M; Donnan, Jennifer; Bishop, Lisa; Harris, Nick. (2023). Emerging adult perceptions of higher-risk cannabis consumption behaviours.. Harm reduction journal, 20(1), 127. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-023-00860-4