State legal status and perceptions of consequences of cannabis use among users and nonusers
Abstract
In the U.S., laws are rapidly changing at the state level to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use. Additionally, perceived risks have decreased while perceptions of benefits have increased. The purpose of this study was to determine if perceptions of risks and benefits of cannabis use vary by U.S. state legal status. We hypothesized that current users and those who reside in legal recreation states would perceive more benefits and fewer risks of use. Adult cannabis users (n=254) and nonusers (n=235) were recruited from a national online research panel. Participants indicated the extent to which they agreed with 38 potential benefits and risks of cannabis use. A 2 (user status) X 2 (legal recreational status) ANOVA indicated a main effect of user status such that current users endorsed more benefits (p<.001) and fewer risks (p<.001) relative to nonusers. However, perceptions did not vary by recreational legal status, nor were the Use X Legal Status interactions significant. Further, among current users, state status did not moderate the relationship between cannabis use frequency and problems. While there likely is a bidirectional relationship between cannabis perceptions and legalization, these findings suggest perceived benefits and risks of cannabis may precede changes in legal policy. These results may have implications for policymakers and voters in states that have not yet legalized cannabis for medical or recreational purposes.
About the Presenters
Robin Hunt
Robin Hunt is a graduating senior in the Psychology program at Washington State University, where she has been working as a research assistant to Dr. Magnan in the Health and Social Psychology Research lab. Robin’s primary academic interest is studying health psychology with an emphasis on preventive health behavior. She has assisted with research involving affect in health behaviors, perceptions involving the use of cannabis, and is currently assisting with research in cannabis use by individuals experiencing chronic pain. She was awarded an Undergraduate Research Initiative Grant and is researching the relationship between self-reflection, feelings, and health behaviors.