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. 2021 Jul 29;11(7):1299-1309.
doi: 10.1093/tbm/ibab025.

Perceived impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on cannabis-using emerging adults

Erin E Bonar  1   2   3 , Lyndsay Chapman  1   2 , Jenna McAfee  4 , Jason E Goldstick  3   5   6 , José A Bauermeister  7 , Patrick M Carter  3   5   6 , Sean D Young  8   9 , Maureen A Walton  1   2   3
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Perceived impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on cannabis-using emerging adults

Erin E Bonar et al. Transl Behav Med. .

Abstract

Cannabis-using youth are a large epidemiologic subgroup whose age and smoking-related risks underscore the importance of examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in this population. Within a clinical trial (n = 36 received an intervention prior to data collection reported herein), we surveyed cannabis-using emerging adults (ages 18-25) about perceived COVID-19 impacts. Participants (n = 141) reporting weekly cannabis use (M = 18.6 use days in the past 30) were enrolled and completed online surveys as part of either their baseline or 3 month assessment. COVID-19-related measures included symptoms, substance use, mood, etc. Participants were 57% female (mean age = 21, standard deviation = 2.2), with 21% Hispanic/Latinx, 70% White, 20% Black/African American, and 10% of other races. Most participants (86%) reported quarantine/self-isolation (M = 59 days). Several had COVID-19 symptoms (16%), but none reported testing COVID-19 positive. Many respondents felt their cannabis use (35%-50%, across consumption methods) and negative emotions (e.g., loneliness, stress, and depression; 69.5%, 69.5%, and 61.8%, respectively) increased. They reported decreased in-person socialization (90.8%) and job losses (23.4%). Reports of increased cannabis smoking were associated with increased negative emotions. On an open-response item, employment/finances and social isolation were frequently named negative impacts (33.3% and 29.4%, respectively). Although cannabis-using emerging adults' reports of increases in cannabis use, coupled with mental health symptoms and social isolation, are concerning, the full impact of the pandemic on their health and well-being remains unknown. Future studies examining the relationship between social isolation, mental health, and cannabis use among young people are needed.

Keywords: Cannabis; Coronavirus pandemic; Emerging adults.

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