Cannabis use has been growing among the young adult population. In fact, the age group with the highest prevalence of use in the United States is those between the ages of 18 and 25. The potency and variety of formulations of cannabis products has also grown within recent years. Early cannabis use is associated with some adverse outcomes, including impacts on both physical and mental health. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is also becoming more prevalent within young adults which has led researchers to investigate possible preventative interventions to reduce rates of CUD. This study is a randomized control trial that examines a new 8-week motivational interviewing (MI)-based social media intervention and its effect on cannabis use in young adults.
The study’s sample consisted of 149 individuals who were recruited from both non-legal and legal cannabis states using Facebook and Instagram advertisements. Participants were screened for depression and anxiety symptoms, cannabis use, forms of cannabis use, and alcohol consumption. Participants were then randomized to join one of two different Facebook groups where ~6 posts/day were made for 56 days. The intervention Facebook group had posts focused on cannabis, mental health, coping strategies, and building rapport and participation. The control Facebook group had posts unrelated to substance use or mental health. E-coaches, who completed MI training, responded to participants throughout the day. After 3 months, participants received a survey addressing acceptability and likelihood of recommending the group. Data was analyzed using independent samples t-tests and chi-square analyses to compare the intervention and control groups.
Results of the data analysis showed that the intervention Facebook group had more interaction than the control group in terms of posting/commenting and clicking reactions. There was no significant different between the groups on content ratings but the intervention participants were more likely to recommend their group. Cannabis use three months after the intervention did not change significantly in either of the groups. Six months after the intervention there was generally larger reductions for cannabis measures in the intervention group versus the control group. The only statistically significant difference between the groups was in regards to total days of vaping. The control had increased rates of vaping by 16.7% while the intervention group had decreased by 43.5% .
Takeaway: Social media may be used as a possible preventative intervention strategy to address cannabis use in young adults.