A Better High? Understanding Mode Preferences Among Young Adult Cannabis Users

Young adults are the heaviest users of cannabis. The legalization of cannabis in Canada has led to various forms and methods of cannabis being widely available. Although there is some research on what products and modes young adults are using, less is known about why they use or prefer a specific method. The present study examines the reasons young adults use their preferred mode of cannabis use. A sample of 297 cannabis-using Canadian university students ages 18-25 completed a self-report survey (62% female). Participants were asked to identify their preferred mode of using cannabis and then were asked to provide their reason(s) for preferring said method in a text box. It was found that bongs and joints were the preferred modes of use (i.e., more than 50% of the time). Reasons for favouring bongs included convenience, cost-effectiveness, and a better or more intense high. Reasons for preferring joints included convenience, smooth (or less harsh), and easier to control either the high or the amount of weed used. Prevention and harm reduction efforts should take the reasons young people select combustible methods of cannabis into account. To reduce the preference for combustible products, cannabis policies could make alternative modes of use more affordable (or appealing in other ways) to encourage other, potentially less harmful, modes.