Development and Initial Validation of the Cannabis Attention and Affect Motives Scale

Cannabis use is a globally prevalent, though potentially harmful, behavior whereby varying patterns of use manifest from a range of motivating factors. Individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often overrepresented in cannabis use statistics, with some users anecdotally reporting that cannabis improves ADHD symptoms. Current motive scales do not fully capture the breadth of cognitions, specifically perceived improvement in attention, necessary to capture the range of cannabis use motivations within this population. This study developed the Cannabis Attention and Affect Motives Scale (CAAMS) to assess cannabis use in response to various situations and affective states.

Adult cannabis users (n = 417, 61.9% male, predominantly NZ/Other European) completed an online survey detailing their motives and expectancies of cannabis use as well as an ADHD risk screener.

While the hypothesized 46-item, 3-factor model was not an appropriate fit, a split-half sample EFA and CFA yielded a refined, theoretically and psychometrically sound, 28-item, 5-factor model. Post-hoc between-groups comparisons on those having low, medium, or high risk of ADHD showed significant differences for CAAMS factors: Negative Affect Reduction, Attention Enhancement, Attention and Behavior Motivation, and Social Anxiety Reduction, but not for Recreation and Relaxation Enhancement.

The CAAMS is psychometrically valid, measuring five separate motives of cannabis use pertaining to cognitive enhancement. An initial analysis of these motives as a function of ADHD risk highlights the potential of this scale to understand the cognitive pathways leading to cannabis use in individuals with attentional difficulties.