A cross-sectional survey on cannabis: Characterizing motives, opinions, and subjective experiences associated with the use of various oral cannabis products. (1st April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dowd, Ashley N.; Zamarripa, C. Austin; Sholler, Dennis J.; Strickland, Justin C.; Goffi, Elia; Borodovsky, Jacob T.; Weerts, Elise M.; Vandrey, Ryan; Spindle, Tory R.
• Is Part Of: Drug and alcohol dependence. Volume 245(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-01
• Subjects: Cannabis -- Cross-sectional survey -- Tetrahydrocannabinol -- Edible -- Cannabidiol (CBD); Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109826
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-8716

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Cannabis-infused products available for oral consumption include food and drink items (i.e., edibles) (e.g., baked goods, gummy-, chocolate-, and hard-candies, beverages/drinks) as well as non-food formulations (e.g., oils/tinctures, pills/capsules). This study characterized the motives, opinions, and subjective experiences associated with the use of these seven subtypes of oral cannabis products. Methods: This web-based survey collected cross-sectional, self-report data from a convenience sample of 370 adults regarding various use-motives, self-reported cannabinoid content, subjective experiences, and opinions related to ingesting oral cannabis products with alcohol and/or food. Advice participants had received about modifying oral cannabis product effects, in general, was also collected. Results: Participants reported consuming cannabis baked goods and gummy candies most frequently over the past year (68% and 63%, respectively). Participants were less likely to use oils/tinctures for enjoyment/desire relative to other product types and more likely to use oils/tinctures for therapeutic purposes (e.g., medication-replacement). Self-reported cannabinoid content was highly variable across participants and within product subtype. Participants reported feeling stronger and longer-lasting effects when consuming oral cannabis products on an empty stomach and 43% received advice to "eat a snack or meal" to mitigate effects that are too strong, which contrasts with controlled studies. Finally, 43% of participants reported modifying their experiences with alcohol at least some of time. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need to further evaluate use-motives as well as the interaction between dietary factors, cannabinoid pharmacokinetics, and subjective drug effects and the interactive effects of oral cannabis products and alcohol in a controlled laboratory setting. Highlights: Cannabis baked goods and gummy candies were the most frequently used. Oils/tinctures were used for therapeutic purposes more often than other subtypes. Self-reported THC and CBD doses were highly variable within each edible type. 43% of participants modified edible effects with alcohol at least some of the time.