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Early reactions to cannabis predict later dependence
David M Fergusson1, L John Horwood, Michael T Lynskey
1Christchurch Health & Development Study, Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Christchurch, New Zealand. david.fergusson@chmeds.ac.nz
Archives of General Psychiatry
|October 15, 2003
Summary
Early positive reactions to cannabis use predict later cannabis dependence. Young people experiencing good feelings from initial cannabis use face significantly higher risks for developing cannabis dependence by age 21.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Adolescent psychology
- Cannabis studies
Background:
- Limited research exists on the link between early cannabis experiences and later dependence.
- Previous studies show associations for nicotine and alcohol, but not cannabis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if subjective responses to early cannabis use (before age 16) predict subsequent cannabis dependence.
- To analyze this association in a New Zealand birth cohort up to age 21.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of a birth cohort in Christchurch, New Zealand.
- Data collected on early subjective cannabis reactions and cannabis dependence (DSM-IV criteria) up to age 21.
- Analysis controlled for confounding factors like the extent of early cannabis use.
Main Results:
- 20% of the cohort used cannabis before age 16.
- Among early users, 21.7% developed cannabis dependence by age 21.
- Positive early subjective responses significantly increased odds of later dependence (OR 28.5), even after controlling for use extent.
Conclusions:
- Early subjective responses to cannabis are strong predictors of later cannabis dependence.
- Findings suggest potential genetic factors influencing individual responses to cannabis.
- Clinicians should identify and counsel young individuals reporting positive early cannabis experiences due to elevated risks.