Youth Cannabis Use in Ontario During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine changes in cannabis use, motivations for changing cannabis use patterns, and symptoms of cannabis use disorder (CUD) among Ontario youth (16-30) who used cannabis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We analyzed the association between changes in cannabis use and motivations for increased use with changes in symptoms of CUD measured with the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test – Revised (CUDIT-R) using linear regression modelling. Results: 58% of respondents reported increasing their cannabis use due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was associated with increases in CUDIT-R scores at follow-up compared to baseline. This association of increased CUDIT-R scores was more pronounced among younger participants. Boredom and loneliness were identified as significant contributors to increases in cannabis use and symptoms of CUD. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the need for targeted harm reduction programs to delay onset and discourage problematic cannabis use.