Cannabis use, perceived problems and the contemplation of reducing or quitting: a cross-sectional survey for vocational students




Lostedt Jasmin, Stolt Minna, Niemelä Solja, Pasanen Miko, Salom Caroline, Thomas natalie, Kannussaari Kim, Mishina Kaisa

PublisherTaylor & Francis

2024

Journal of Substance Use

1465-9891

1475-9942

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2024.2356572

https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/YC7RMRZAKXQZ5PZSCHJP/full?target=10.1080/14659891.2024.2356572

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/404723005



Objective: To assess problematic cannabis use, perceived cannabis-related problems and contemplation of reducing or quitting the use among vocational students and associations between perceived problems and contemplation of reducing or quitting cannabis use.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey among Finnish vocational school students (N = 1,855) using the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised.

Results: Of those who reported cannabis use (n = 375), 20.5% (n = 77) reported problematic use. The most perceived problems were memory or concentration problems (n = 151, 39.1%), devoting a great deal of time to use (n = 144, 37.4%), and failing to do what was normally expected (n = 106, 27.5%). One third (35.4%, n = 136) had contemplated reducing or quitting the use, especially among those who reported an inability to stop using (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.57; CI95: 2.48–13.16).

Conclusions: The perceived problems related to cannabis-use are such that may affect to academic success, employment and general life management. It is imperative to screen and implement low- threshold cannabis interventions in student health care. A third of students who used cannabis had contemplated quitting or reducing use, which provides an opportunity for brief supporting interventions.


Funding for this research were provided by Juho Vainio Foundation, State Research Funding and The Finnish Foundation for Alcohol Studies.


Last updated on 2025-26-05 at 08:29