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Review
. 2023 Nov 1;23(1):2139.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-17068-7.

Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Kamna Mehra  1   2 , Jennifer Rup  1   2 , Jessica L Wiese  1   2 , Tara Marie Watson  3 , Sarah Bonato  4 , Sergio Rueda  5   6   7   8
Affiliations
Review

Changes in self-reported cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Kamna Mehra et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting mental health and substance use (MHSU) issues worldwide. The purpose of this study was to characterize the literature on changes in cannabis use during the pandemic and the factors associated with such changes.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review by searching peer-reviewed databases and grey literature from January 2020 to May 2022 using the Arksey and O'Malley Framework. Two independent reviewers screened a total of 4235 documents. We extracted data from 129 documents onto a data extraction form and collated results using content analytical techniques.

Results: Nearly half (48%) of the studies reported an increase/initiation of cannabis use, while 36% studies reported no change, and 16% reported a decrease/cessation of cannabis use during the pandemic. Factors associated with increased cannabis use included socio-demographic factors (e.g., younger age), health related factors (e.g., increased symptom burden), MHSU factors (e.g., anxiety, depression), pandemic-specific reactions (e.g., stress, boredom, social isolation), cannabis-related factors (e.g., dependence), and policy-related factors (e.g., legalization of medical/recreational cannabis).

Conclusion: Public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to significantly impact cannabis use. The pandemic has placed urgency on improving coping mechanisms and supports that help populations adapt to major and sudden life changes. To better prepare health care systems for future pandemics, wide-reaching education on how pandemic-related change impacts cannabis use is needed.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cannabis; Scoping review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart of documents included, based on PRISMA guidelines
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Percentage of documents with each population group reporting change in cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Percentage of documents reporting change in cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the legal status of cannabis where study was conducted
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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