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Understanding Lower-Risk Cannabis Consumption from the Consumers' Perspective: A Rapid Evidence Assessment
Renee St-Jean1, Mackenzie E Dowson1, Anna Stefaniak1,2
1Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Substance Use & Misuse
|October 6, 2022
Summary
This study explored how cannabis consumers perceive lower-risk cannabis use. Findings reveal themes of informed self-regulation and protective behaviors, alongside coping motivations that may hinder responsible consumption.
Area of Science:
- Cannabis research
- Public health
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Summarizes existing research on lower-risk cannabis consumption.
- Focuses on the perspectives of cannabis consumers themselves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand how cannabis consumers perceive and practice lower-risk consumption.
- To identify beliefs and behaviors associated with positive cannabis use.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a rapid evidence assessment of scientific literature.
- Searched databases for articles on cannabis consumption, beliefs, behaviors, and positive outcomes (1900-2021).
- Included 12 articles meeting specific inclusion criteria.
Main Results:
- Identified three themes of lower-risk cannabis beliefs and behaviors: informed self-regulation, protective strategies, and normalization.
- One theme highlighted motivations undermining lower-risk use, such as using cannabis for coping.
- Analysis synthesized findings from 12 selected studies.
Conclusions:
- Suggests a need for research focusing on positive, non-problematic cannabis consumption patterns.
- Highlights the importance of understanding consumer perspectives for policy and practice.
- Aims to inform strategies promoting lower-risk cannabis consumption.
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