The “risk object” of cannabis edibles: perspectives from young adults in Canada

Abstract

Young adults are the most prominent users of cannabis in Canada, which was legalised for recreational use in 2018. Edibles are a highly popular form of cannabis delivery for this age group, yet little qualitative research explores young adult perspectives on edibles, including how edibles function socially for them, or are viewed in terms of risk. This study fills this research gap, conducting focus groups with 57 young adults (ages-18–24) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to explore the ‘risk object’ of cannabis edibles. Findings reveal that delivery mechanism of cannabis – that is, cannabis in food form compared to smoked/inhaled – significantly shifts perceptions of risk by young adults. Edibles were viewed as less risky than smoking cannabis, and participants stated they were more willing to consume edibles than in any other form (and especially in social settings). Risks associated with edibles were primarily short-term/related to over-consumption and were largely mitigated by legalisation. However, participants also emphasised risks for others (including children and inexperienced consumers). Overall, the ‘risk object’ of cannabis edibles shifts depending on the audience considered. Participants described individual consumers as shouldering primary responsibility for managing risks related to cannabis edibles, despite manufacturer and government roles in regulating product quality and protecting vulnerable populations.

Keywords:

• edibles
• cannabis
• risk
• young adults
• health
• legalization

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Canada Research Chairs Program (Dr. Elliott), the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, which provided funding for this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the lead author (CE) on request.

Notes

1. The shifting nature of the ‘risk object’ when it comes to children and food is taken up by Elliott (2020).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Canada Research Chairs Program [.]; O’Brien Institute for Public Health [.]; Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute [.].