A qualitative study of experiences among young adults who increased their cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic

TL;DR

This study explores why some young adults increased their cannabis use during the pandemic, focusing on mental health, boredom, and freedom.

Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into pandemic-related cannabis use patterns and motivations among young adults.

Findings

Cannabis use increased to cope with mental health declines during the pandemic.

Participants used cannabis to manage boredom and express freedom.

Themes highlight the role of cannabis as a coping mechanism during major life disruptions.

Abstract

Young adults face unique vulnerabilities during major life disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic contributed to increases in mental health challenges and substance use among young adults. This study explores the experiences of young adults who increased their cannabis use during the pandemic.

Participants were recruited from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study, and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom. A total of 25 participants (ages 33–34) reporting increased cannabis use during the pandemic were included. Thematic analysis and gender-based analysis was employed to extract key themes.

Five themes emerged: (1) No disruption in cannabis use; (2) Cannabis use to manage declines in mental health; (3) Cannabis use to break up pandemic boredom; (4) Cannabis use as an expression of freedom; (5) Cannabis use as “another way to chill out.”

This research provides valuable perspectives on how major life disruptions, like the COVID-19 pandemic, influence cannabis use among young adults. The findings offer guidance for public health initiatives and highlight avenues for further investigation.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-024-19886-9.