Theory-based correlates of cannabis use and intentions among US and Israeli adults: a mixed methods study

Authors

Yuxian Cui, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Cassidy R. LoParco, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Yael Bar-Zeev, Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Zongshuan Duan, Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Hagai Levine, Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Lorien C. Abroms, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Yan Wang, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Amal Khayat, Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Carla J. Berg, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. carlaberg@gwu.edu.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-6-2023

Journal

Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy

Volume

18

Issue

1

DOI

10.1186/s13011-023-00562-x

Keywords

Cannabis use; Global health; Health behavior; Health policy; Non-medical cannabis; Recreational cannabis; Theory

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the US and Israel, non-medical ('recreational') cannabis use is illegal at the national level; however, use rates are high and decriminalization and legalization is spreading. Thus, theory-based intervention efforts, especially for youth prevention, are crucial. METHODS: This mixed-methods study of adults in the US (n = 1,128) and Israel (n = 1,094) analyzed: 1) cross-sectional survey data (Fall 2021) to identify theory-based correlates (risk perceptions, social norms) of past-month cannabis use, next-year use intentions, and intentions to use in the home or among children if non-medical cannabis was legal, using multivariable regression; and 2) qualitative interviews regarding perceptions of cannabis policies and use (US n = 40, Israel n = 44). RESULTS: 16.7% reported past-month use; 70.5%, 56.3%, and 82.6% indicated "not at all likely" regarding next-year use and use in the home and among children if legal. Lower perceived risk and greater social norms were associated with past-month use, greater use intentions, and greater intentions to use in the home or among children. Past-month use was more prevalent among US (vs. Israeli) participants (22.0% vs. 11.2%); however, in multivariable regression controlling for past-month use, being from Israel was associated with greater use intentions (next-year; in the home/among children). Qualitative themes indicated: concerns about use (e.g., increasing use, health risks, driving-related risks) and legalization (e.g., impact on society/economy, marketing), and perceived benefits of use (e.g., medical) and legalization (e.g., access/safety, economic, individual rights). CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences in cannabis perceptions and use across countries, perceived risk and social norms are relevant intervention targets regardless of sociopolitical context.

APA Citation

Cui, Yuxian; LoParco, Cassidy R.; Bar-Zeev, Yael; Duan, Zongshuan; Levine, Hagai; Abroms, Lorien C.; Wang, Yan; Khayat, Amal; and Berg, Carla J., "Theory-based correlates of cannabis use and intentions among US and Israeli adults: a mixed methods study" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 3443.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/3443

Department

Prevention and Community Health