Among 460 young people aged 16-25 visiting a French emergency department, 23% were currently using cannabis, and users were more likely to be male, unemployed, have lower mental health, report sexual abuse history, and screen positive for alcohol problems.
Emergency physicians, youth mental health providers, and addiction screening advocates
3x higher odds of cannabis use among those with sexual abuse history
What the researchers found
Of 460 participants, 105 (22.8%) were in the cannabis use group. Cannabis users had higher odds of being male (aOR=1.85), unemployed (aOR=1.77), having lower mental health status (aOR=0.82 per unit), reporting sexual abuse history (aOR=2.99), and having positive alcohol screening (aOR=4.23).
Why it matters
Emergency departments serve as a critical touchpoint for young people who may not engage with traditional addiction or mental health services. Identifying the profile of young cannabis users in this setting can inform targeted screening and brief intervention strategies.
The numbers in context
460 participants. 105 (22.8%) were cannabis users. Male: aOR=1.85. Unemployed: aOR=1.77. Sexual abuse history: aOR=2.99. Positive AUDIT screen: aOR=4.23. Lower mental health score: aOR=0.82.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional study of young people aged 16-25 visiting a French urban emergency department for any reason over 5 months. Data included sociodemographics, self-administered substance use screening, and urine drug screening. Cannabis use defined as positive urine screen or self-reported past-month use.
What this study cannot tell us
Single ER in France limits generalizability. Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Self-reported data alongside urine screening may miss some users. The specific reasons for ER visits were not analyzed.
How to read the evidence
Reasonable cross-sectional study with biological confirmation, though single-site and limited to ER attendees.
When this study was published
2024 study
The bigger picture
The strong association with sexual abuse history (nearly 3x odds) and alcohol problems (over 4x odds) suggests cannabis use in this young population is embedded in broader psychosocial vulnerability, not isolated substance use.
Questions still open
- Would ER-based cannabis screening and brief intervention reduce use in this population? Is the sexual abuse association specific to cannabis or general to substance use? How do these patterns compare across different countries?
Common questions
How common is cannabis use among young ER patients?
What factors are linked to cannabis use in young ER patients?
Read the original research
Patterns and determinants of cannabis use in youth visiting an urban emergency department in France.
Journal of addictive diseases, 42(4), 491-499
Citation
Touali, Rdah; Chappuy, Mathieu; De Ternay, Julia; Berger-Vergiat, Aurélie; Haesebaert, Julie; Tazarourte, Karim; Michel, Philippe; Rolland, Benjamin. (2024). Patterns and determinants of cannabis use in youth visiting an urban emergency department in France.. Journal of addictive diseases, 42(4), 491-499. https://doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2023.2279474
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