Cannabidiol (CBD) and other drug use among young adults who use cannabis in Los Angeles. (1st April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fedorova, Ekaterina V.; Wong, Carolyn F.; Ataiants, Janna; Iverson, Ellen; Conn, Bridgid M.; Lankenau, Stephen E.
• Is Part Of: Drug and alcohol dependence. Volume 221(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04-01
• Subjects: Medical marijuana -- Cannabidiol -- Drug use -- Young adults; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108648
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-8716

Abstract

Highlights: Young adult CBD users reported greater history of health conditions. CBD products were commonly used to relieve pain, anxiety and help sleep. CBD users consumed cannabis at lower frequency, except for oral forms. Illicit drug use, including psilocybin use, was more prevalent amount CBD users. Abstract: Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) is purportedly a promising therapeutic agent to provide relief for a variety of medical conditions with mild or no psychoactive effects. However, little is known about young adults who use cannabis and CBD-dominant products, and associations between CBD use and other drug use. Methods: Young adults (aged 24–32) who currently used cannabis (n = 239) were surveyed in Los Angeles in March 2019 through March 2020. The sample was divided into CBD-dominant (at least 1:1 CBD:THC ratio) and THC-dominant product users. We described CBD forms, reasons and conditions for CBD use and examined between-group differences in sociodemographic characteristics, cannabis practices, health and other drug use. Results: CBD-dominant users were more likely to be female, use cannabis at lower frequency and amount (except for edible/drinkable/oral products), self-report medical motivation for cannabis use, use cannabis for pain and report more health problems. Oil, flower, topicals and sprays/drops/tinctures were the most prevalent CBD forms. Psychological problems and pain were commonly reported conditions and medical reasons for CBD use. CBD-dominant users were more likely to report illicit drug use, where psilocybin use was markedly different between the two groups. Conclusions: CBD use was associated with health histories and motivations linked to pain and psychological problems. Positive association between CBD use and illicit drug use may indicate self-medication for psychological conditions. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of various CBD forms and dose regimens for treatment of pain and psychological problems, and as a potential intervention for decreasing other drug use and associated harms.