3 research outputs found
Interactions of protective behavioral strategies and cannabis use motives: An online survey among past-month users
Given the constant high prevalence of cannabis use and cannabis dependence, it is important
to determine protective behaviors on the individual level, which buffer the effects of risk
factors. Protective Behavioral Strategies for Marijuana (PBSM) have been identified to play
an important role for harm reduction in adolescent and young adult users. In the present
study, we analyzed if PBSM moderate the effects of use motives (captured by the Marijuana
Motives Measure, MMM) on the severity of dependence beyond the effects of age, gender,
education and cannabis use frequency. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate
the German versions of PBSM and MMM. Data was gathered in an online survey distributed
to randomly chosen households in the city of Bern in the German speaking part of
Switzerland. The final sample comprised 362 past-month users. Results showed negative
correlations between PBSM and cannabis use frequency and severity of dependence. The
only motives being correlated with severity of dependence were coping and routine, beyond
frequency of use. PBSM significantly moderated the effect only of routine motives on the
severity of dependence. However, only a few cases who used PBSM extensively were
affected. PBSM appear to be an important factor to reduce harm among past-month users
but not among those with dependent use patterns, e.g. coping and routine users. Clinical
implications are discussed. The routine factor adds significantly to the MMM and should be
implemented and improved in future studies. PBSM as well as the MMM can be used in
future studies in German speaking populations
Cannabis use, attitudes, regulation and health: Survey data from an urban population of users and non-users
Background: Although illegal in most countries, cannabis remains the most common illicit drug in Switzerland and worldwide. While there is growing evidence on adverse effects of cannabis use, most users do not report any problems or negative consequences. In the face of a sustained high prevalence of cannabis use and the recent legalization waves in different parts of the world, it is important to know how cannabis is perceived in the general population and how current users regulate their own use. The present study aims to investigate users’ and non-users’ attitudes towards cannabis regulations and towards current users. Additionally, self-rated health measures as well as protective behavioral strategies and other cannabis related variables were assessed.
Design and Method: We collected data from 380 current users and 659 non-users who were recruited by invitation letter or online media platforms. The data was analyzed using basic descriptive statistical procedures.
Results: Results revealed that both groups favor moderate cannabis regulation measures over prohibition and no regulation at all. On average, they report the same subjective health. Protective strategies are often used and are associated with better health and lower severity of dependence in cannabis users.
Conclusions: Taken together, results indicate that safe use of cannabis is possible for most users, while there is a group of users at risk of 15-20 %, which may benefit from control by regulatory measures