The increasing prevalence of cannabis use across the United States reflects the growing acceptance of its medicinal and recreational applications. This upward trend coincides with the progressive legalisation and decriminalisation of cannabis at state levels. Despite this, research gaps remain significant, especially regarding the daily behavioural impacts of cannabis consumption. A recent study, aiming to fill these gaps, investigates the associations between cannabis use and same-day health and substance use behaviours, focusing on physical activity (PA), alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking. The findings offer insights into the complex interplay between cannabis use and these behaviours.

Usage Trends in the United States

Cannabis, a federally illicit drug, has seen usage increase in both frequency and demography. According to a “Monitoring the Future Panel” study, the overall percentage of cannabis users rose by 9% between 2017 and 2022. Among those aged 19-30 years, daily use grew by 3%, while for the 35-50 age group, it climbed by 11%. Despite this, the research has been limited due to federal regulations, sourcing difficulties, and restricted funding for cannabis-related studies.

Study Methodology

The study utilised a 28-day nationwide investigation, gathering daily behavioural data through smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments (EMAs). Participants included individuals who had used cannabis on at least one day during this period, resulting in a sample size of 98. The assessments tracked three key parameters—moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), daily alcohol consumption, and the number of cigarettes smoked. Data analysis was conducted using generalised linear mixed models that adjusted for race, biological sex, and age. This method aimed for accuracy and ecological validity while minimising recall bias.

Cannabis Use and Physical Activity

The study revealed a notable association between daily cannabis use and an increase in same-day PA. On days when cannabis was used versus non-use days, participants showed an additional 3.31 minutes of MVPA. This positive correlation aligns with earlier findings suggesting that cannabis users generally report higher PA levels than non-users. However, the relationship between cannabis and overall PA has shown mixed results in previous cross-sectional studies. For instance, some observed a positive association, while others reported negative outcomes. The current study underscores the need for more intensive and methodologically robust research to explore specific dynamics between cannabis and daily PA behaviours.

Cannabis Use and Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol remains one of the leading contributors to preventable deaths in the United States, ranking behind tobacco and physical inactivity. The study highlighted that cannabis use was positively associated with alcohol consumption, with participants consuming an average of 0.45 additional alcohol-containing drinks on cannabis use days compared to non-use days. Previous research corroborates this finding, with studies showing that co-use of cannabis and alcohol often leads to an increased duration of intoxication and heightened consumption. This co-use behaviour is complex—sometimes substitutionary (replacing alcohol with cannabis) but often complementary (enhancing the intoxicating effects of both substances).

Cannabis Use and Cigarette Smoking

Cigarette smoking claims approximately 480,000 lives annually in the U.S., primarily due to its role in diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular illnesses. The study found that cannabis use was associated with an increase in cigarette smoking, with participants smoking an additional 0.63 cigarettes on cannabis use days. Historically, individuals who smoke cigarettes are more likely to use cannabis, and cannabis use has been linked to reduced smoking cessation success and increased risks of relapse. The findings align with earlier studies that identified a temporal association between cannabis use and subsequent cigarette consumption.

The descriptive statistics revealed participant demographics and the variables under study. The generalisability of findings, given the focus on a nationwide sample, offers a crucial lens for understanding behavioural patterns across diverse groups. The study highlighted the importance of employing smartphone-based EMAs, a method that ensures broader demographic reach and more reliable data gathering.

Source: ScienceDirect