Cannabis use and other illicit drug use: do subjective experiences during first cannabis use increase the probability of using illicit drug?

Abstract

Background and aims: Few studies have examined whether subjective experiences during first cannabis use are related to other illicit drug (OID) use. This study investigated this topic.

Methods: Baseline data from a representative sample of young Swiss men was obtained from an ongoing Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (N = 5753). Logistic regressions were performed to examine the relationships between cannabis use and of subjective experiences during first cannabis use with 15 OID.

Results: Positive experiences increased the likelihood of using hallucinogens (hallucinogens, salvia divinorum, spice; p < 0.015), stimulants (speed, ecstasy, cocaine, amphetamines/methamphetamines; p < 0.006) and also poppers, research chemicals, GHB/GBL, and crystal meth (p < 0.049). Sniffed drugs (poppers, solvents for sniffing) and “hard” drugs (heroin, ketamine, research chemicals, GHB/GBL and crystal meth) were more likely to be used by participants who experienced negative feelings on first use of cannabis (p < 0.034).

Conclusion: Subjective feelings seemed to amplify the association of cannabis with OID. The risk increased for drugs with effects resembling feelings experienced on first cannabis use. Negative experiences should also be a concern, as they were associated with increased risk of using the “hardest” illicit drugs.

• Cannabis
• other illicit drug
• subjective first experiences

Declaration of interest

This study was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation FN 33CS30_139467.