AUTHOR=Salles Juliette , Yrondi Antoine , Marhar Fouad , Andant Nicolas , Dorlhiac Raimundo Avilés , Quach Binh , Jiao Jiao , Antunes Samuel , Ugbolue Ukadike Chris , Guegan Julien , Rouffiac Karine , Pereira Bruno , The COVISTRESS Network , Andant Nicolas , Clinchamps Maélys , Mestres Stéphanie , Miele Cécile , Navel Valentin , Parreira Lénise , Pereira Bruno , Rouffiac Karine , Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois Yves Boirie , Maria Livia Fantini Martine Duclos , Schmidt Jeannot , Tubert-Jeannin Stéphanie , Berthon Mickael , Chausse Pierre , Dambrun Michael , Droit-Volet Sylvie , Guegan Julien , Guimond Serge , Mondillon Laurie , Nugier Armelle , Huguet Pascal , Dewavrin Samuel , Marhar Fouad , Naughton Geraldine , Benson Amanda , Lamm Claus , Gbaglo Karen , Drapeau Vicky , Avilés Dorlhiac Raimundo , Bustos Benjamin , Yaodong Gu , Zhang Haifeng , Dieckmann Peter , Baker Julien , Quach Binh , Jiao Jiao , Duan Yanping , Gao Gemma , Y J Huang Wendy , Lau Ka Lai Kelly , Zhang Chun-Qing , Cocco Perluigi , Lecca Rosamaria , Puligheddu Monica , Figorilli Michela , Charkhabi Morteza , Bagheri Reza , Pfabigan Daniela , Dieckmann Peter , Antunes Samuel , Neto David , Almeida Pedro , João Gouveia Maria , Quinteiro Pedro , Urzeala Constanta , Dubuis Benoit , Lemaignen Juliette , Liu Andy , Saadaoui Foued , Ugbolue Ukadike Chris , Kulik Keri , Chen Kuan-chou , Clinchamps Maëlys , Dutheil Frederic
TITLE=Changes in Cannabis Consumption During the Global COVID-19 Lockdown: The International COVISTRESS Study
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry
VOLUME=12
YEAR=2021
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.689634
DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2021.689634
ISSN=1664-0640
ABSTRACT=Introduction: COVID-19 lockdown measures have been sources of both potential stress and possible psychological and addiction complications. A lack of activity and isolation during lockdown are among the factors thought to be behind the growth in the use of psychoactive substances and worsening addictive behaviors. Previous studies on the pandemic have attested to an increase in alcohol consumption during lockdowns. Likewise, data suggest there has also been a rise in the use of cannabis, although it is unclear how this is affected by external factors. Our study used quantitative data collected from an international population to evaluate changes in cannabis consumption during the lockdown period between March and October, 2020. We also compared users and non-users of the drug in relation to: (1) socio-demographic differences, (2) emotional experiences, and (3) the information available and the degree of approval of lockdown measures.
Methods: An online self-report questionnaire concerning the lockdown was widely disseminated around the globe. Data was collected on sociodemographics and how the rules imposed had influenced the use of cannabis and concerns about health, the economic impact of the measures and the approach taken by government(s).
Results: One hundred eighty two respondents consumed cannabis before the lockdown vs. 199 thereafter. The mean cannabis consumption fell from 13 joints per week pre-lockdown to 9.75 after it (p < 0.001). Forty-nine respondents stopped using cannabis at all and 66 admitted to starting to do so. The cannabis users were: less satisfied with government measures; less worried about their health; more concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and their career; and more frightened of becoming infected in public areas. The risk factors for cannabis use were: age (OR = 0.96); concern for physical health (OR = 0.98); tobacco (OR = 1.1) and alcohol consumption during lockdown (OR = 1.1); the pre-lockdown anger level (OR = 1.01); and feelings of boredom during the restrictions (OR = 1.1).
Conclusion: In a specific sub-population, the COVID-19 lockdown brought about either an end to the consumption of cannabis or new use of the drug. The main risk factors for cannabis use were: a lower age, co-addictions and high levels of emotions.