Cannabis consumption patterns may help identify people at risk of addiction
Nearly half of adults in the United States who use cannabis mainly smoke it, but about 1 in 7 use it in nearly every form available, a behavior tied to daily cannabis use and increased addiction risk, a new study shows.
A new study reveals that Americans who use cannabis in multiple forms, known as polymodal users, may be at higher risk for addiction compared to those who primarily smoke. According to the research led by NYU Langone Health, about 14% of U.S. adults who used cannabis in the past month employed various consumption methods. This group had a higher likelihood of daily cannabis use and met the criteria for cannabis use disorder, with 67% compared to 36% and 15% of those who mainly smoked, smoked and vaped, or consumed edibles, respectively.
Cannabis can be consumed through smoking, vaping, eating, or dabbing, and the researchers found that polymodal users were more likely to be young adults aged 18-25, women, and college graduates. The study also highlighted a concerning correlation between smoking cannabis and cigarette smoking, as both involve combustion, which can expose users to a greater range of chemicals and increase health risks.
Researchers suggest that asking patients about their specific cannabis consumption methods could help clinicians identify potential addiction issues earlier.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
