James, Philip D and Comiskey, Catherine ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3528-777X (2024) Informing the cannabis policy debate: a cross-sectional study of current and former cannabis users in Ireland. Journal of Substance Use, Early Online, https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2024.2412583.
Background: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug with considerable international discourse regarding its legal status. This study sought to examine the wellbeing, experiences, and attitudes of adults who have used cannabis to inform policy debates.
Methods: A national, cross-sectional survey was completed. Data related to demographics and attitudes was collected along with validated questionnaires to measure level of dependence and wellbeing.
Results: Respondents (n = 732) were primarily males (61%) with a median age of 21. Three-quarters (75%) consumed cannabis more than 100 days with few regretting their cannabis use. Additionally, 60% reported previous use of both cocaine and MDMA and three-quarters currently use tobacco. While strongly in favor of more liberal cannabis policies they were ambivalent about decriminalizing all drugs. Depending on the cutoff used, 14.6% to 32.2% of respondents potentially meet the criteria for cannabis dependence. Wellbeing was overall good; however, women were at significantly higher odds of poor wellbeing (OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.78, 3.76).
Conclusion: Findings suggest unanimity among cannabis users toward more liberal legal policies but have discord regarding other drugs. Harm reduction, particularly in relation to tobacco, other substances, and women is indicated.
B Substances > Tobacco (cigarette smoking)
B Substances > CNS stimulants > MDMA / Ecstasy
B Substances > Cocaine
F Concepts in psychology > Attitude > Attitude toward substance use
G Health and disease > Substance use disorder (addiction) > Drug use disorder
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Harm reduction > Substance use harm reduction
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Policy > Policy on substance use
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Policy > Policy on substance use > Drug decriminalisation or legalisation policy
T Demographic characteristics > Person who uses substances (user / experience)
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
Click here to request a copy of this literature
Repository Staff Only: item control page