Salient Beliefs Associated with Unsanctioned Adult Cannabis Use in an Evolving Socio-Political Environment

Abstract

Background: The changing cannabis legal climate in the United States has been associated with increased prevalence of use, more favorable general attitudes, and cultural norms toward its use among young adults. The purpose of this study was to conceptualize salient beliefs governing illicit cannabis use within a state where medical use is legal and adult use remains illegal. Methods: Following an initial qualitative pilot, a prospective study (baseline and a 30-day follow-up) that utilized an electronic survey design was conducted. Students at a large US university (N = 514) completed a baseline assessment of cannabis use and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs, and 169 completed the follow-up assessing actual behavior. Results: Roughly 60% reported illicit cannabis use. Attitude and subjective norms accounted for 57% of the variation in intention for cannabis use in the next 30 days, while intention and perceived behavioral control (PBC) explained 51% of the variation in prospective use. The majority of salient beliefs identified exhibited moderate to strong correlations with intention and behavior among the larger sample. Close friends and partners were identified as important referents, outcome expectations of relaxation, improved social functioning, and more enjoyment, as well as environmental factors, such as proximity to use, safe utilization location, and continued illegality of adult use exhibited strong associations to intention and behavior. Conclusions: The practical utility of the salient belief measures identified herein presents a useful foundation for interventions aimed at reducing illicit cannabis utilization among young adults.

Keywords:

• Cannabis
• intention
• prospective study
• social functioning
• substance use
• theory of planned behavior

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All authors provided substantial contributions to the conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; all authors drafted the article or revised it critically for important intellectual content; all authors gave final approval of the version of the article to be published; and all authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

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