A new study investigated the reasons for increased cannabis use among young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing declines in mental health and boredom were frequently cited. The findings have implications for public policy to support young people during major life disruptions. The corresponding study was published in BMC Public Health.
Previous research has shown that young adults were among the most vulnerable to increased substance use and mental health difficulties like anxiety and depression in response to pandemic-induced distress. Some studies also suggest that pandemic-related stress led to increased cannabis use as a mode of relief.
In the current study, researchers sought to understand more about why some young people increased their cannabis use during the pandemic, and to see whether there were any gender differences in experiences of cannabis use.
To do so, they interviewed 25 adults aged 33- 34 years old who increased their cannabis use during the pandemic. Just over half of the participants were female. The researchers noted that 53.8% of women had a history of mental health diagnosis and 46.2% reported living alone. Meanwhile, men were more likely to report past year substance abuse of any kind than women.
Ultimately, the researchers found that the pandemic did not disrupt access to cannabis and that participants frequently increased cannabis use in response to heightened anxiety and stress from the pandemic stemming from job loss, working from home, having no childcare, and overall lockdown stress. The participants also reported using cannabis to overcome boredom, express freedom, and relax.
The study unveiled some gender-based differences in cannabis use. The researchers wrote in their paper: "Women expressed childcare and job-related strain as a key factor in increasing cannabis use. In addition, women were adamant about not exposing their children to cannabis, not using it to get high, and receiving their doctor’s approval to use cannabis to manage mental health symptoms. Finally, some women reported smoking cannabis (versus using oils or edibles) as a way to connect with their male partner."
The researchers noted that the findings signal towards steps that may be taken to support young adults during major life disruptions. These include promoting social and extracurricular outlets- like discounts on camping or park passes, supporting mothers with childcare costs and relief, and creating job security supports.
The researchers noted that as the study involved a sample from Quebec, an area that had different rules around COVID-19 than other areas, the findings may not apply to other regions.
Sources: BMC Public Health, News-Medical.net