[Predictors and Effects of Cannabis-Related Legal Investigations]

In 2018, 218,660 cases of cannabis-related legal investigations were registered by the German police. In the present study, predictors and effects of cannabis-related legal investigations are investigated.

Retrospective cohort study with 10,432 subjects between 15 and 46 years of age (M=22.2 years, SD=4.8) of which 54.6% were male. The sample recruitment took place in 2018 over social media. The online questionnaire included potential predictors and as outcome measures mental health, social status, unemployment, income, and problematic cannabis and alcohol use.

A total of 9,246 subjects (88.6%) had consumed cannabis in their lifetime. A cannabis-related legal investigation had been initiated against 1,736 subjects (18.8%). These individuals were more likely to be male, older, less likely to achieve A-levels, scored higher on sensation seeking, were more likely to report ADHD, started cannabis use earlier, and had higher levels of all cannabis use variables. No significant associations were found between cannabis-related legal investigations and the level of income, unemployment, mental health or subjective social status. Of the never or former consumers, 63.4 and 44.8%, respectively, reported that fear to get into trouble with the law was a reason for non-use.

There was no evidence that cannabis-related legal investigations had any impact on the current life or health situation. Fears of getting into trouble with the law were particularly relevant for people who had never used, or were currently not using cannabis.