Cannabis is the most frequently used illicit drug in the US. As an increasing number of states have legalized cannabis for medicinal and/ or recreational use, attitudes towards the substance have shifted to become more positive.
Despite increased use patterns, however, research on how daily cannabis use relates to other behaviors has been limited. Such research is crucial for informing policy and behavior change interventions.
In the current study, researchers examined how daily use of cannabis relates to daily physical activity, alcohol consumption and cigarette use. They used data from 98 participants collected in a 28-day nationwide study that included daily ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) to track physical activity levels and substance use.
Participants were only included if they reported at least one day of cannabis use throughout the study period. The researchers used generalized linear mixed models to examine the associations between cannabis use and same-day exercise and substance use behaviors. They adjusted their findings for race, biological sex, and age.
Ultimately, they found that daily cannabis use was positively linked with daily physical activity, the number of alcoholic beverages consumed, and the number of cigarettes smoked among particpants. Altogether, cannabis use days were linked to 3.31 minutes more physical activity, 0.45 more drinks, and 0.63 more cigarettes compared to non-use days.
“This study was among the first to use EMAs to examine associations between daily cannabis use and same-day PA, alcohol consumption, and cigarette use. Overall, findings indicated that daily cannabis use is associated with higher engagement in these daily health and substance use behaviors. Further research is needed to understand mechanisms linking cannabis use with these and other behaviors,” concluded the researchers in their study.
Sources: Addictive Behaviors
