The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cannabis Use, Motives, and Reinforcement

The COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted cannabis use among emerging adults. The current study examined changes in cannabis use, motives, and reinforcement, and the impact of changes in COVID-19 related distress on these changes. Data were collected from 145 college students at two time points: July 2020 (T1) and January 2021 (T2). Results indicated no change in use of and reinforcement from cannabis. Motives for cannabis use differed significantly across time points, and changes in COVID-19 related distress were significantly associated with some of these changes. Results suggest that students largely did not change their cannabis usage during the early phase of the pandemic; however, there were changes in the motives for using cannabis, and some of these changes were significantly associated with changes in COVID-19 related distress. Results highlight the importance of prevention and, suggest that motives for use may be important targets in preventative measures and intervention.