Understanding Daily Cannabis Use among Young Adults in Post-Legalization Québec: Motivations, Consumption Practices, and Control Strategies

BACKGROUND: In the wake of cannabis legalization in Canada, daily use among young adults remains insufficiently understood. This study explores the motivations, consumption practices, and self-regulation strategies of young adults who use cannabis daily in the region of Capitale-Nationale, Québec. METHODS: Forty-six individuals aged 18-34 who consume cannabis daily participated in semi-structured interviews and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, guided by the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior). RESULTS: Participants reported diverse and evolving motivations for daily cannabis use, including management of mental and physical health, relaxation, spirituality, and enhancement of everyday experiences. Most respondents expressed a deliberate effort to control their use, aligning consumption with daily obligations. Strategies included limiting use to evenings, modulating dosage and product types, and abstaining before work or study. Despite positive perceptions of use, many participants acknowledged risks, including dependency and physical health effects. CONCLUSION: Daily cannabis use among young adults is a multifaceted behavior shaped by internal motivations and external responsibilities. Many users described strategies to integrate cannabis into their lives while minimizing disruption. Others underlined the issues regarding their use. These findings underscore the need for public health approaches that consider the diverse ways users manage their consumption in a legalized context.