Behavioural Economic Demand for Medicinal and Recreational Cannabis Among People Who Use Over-The-Counter CBD...

Changes in regulatory policies regarding cannabis have led to a rapid expansion of the cannabis market and a substantial increase in cannabis sales. This study examined medicinal and recreational cannabis demand in a hypothetical legalisation scenario in Spain among people who use over-the-counter CBD, THC only and CBD + THC.

A cross-sectional study comprising 1492 participants aged 16-30. The assessment included measures of alcohol-related problems, nicotine dependence and cannabis use disorder risk. Two Marijuana Purchase Tasks including nine items were used to estimate demand (g/week) for medicinal and recreational cannabis. Bivariate analyses and split-plot ANOVAs were conducted.

Demand for medicinal cannabis was higher than for recreational cannabis in the sample as a whole, indicated by statistically significant main effects of all demand indices, except elasticity. In the event of legalisation, 65.2% reported that they would be willing to try medicinal cannabis if it were legal, compared to 62.1% who reported the intention to try recreational cannabis. People who use CBD + THC showed higher medicinal and recreational cannabis demand than people using THC and CBD only (all p values < 0.001). Men reported higher medicinal and recreational cannabis demand than women (all p values < 0.023).

Given that the majority of participants reported intentions to try cannabis if legalised, legalisation efforts should be accompanied by sustainable prevention programs that educate people about the risks associated with cannabis use. People who use over-the-counter CBD products may be particularly susceptible to trying cannabis if it is legalised, either for medicinal or recreational purposes.