Cannabis use prevalence in the United States has experienced consistent growth due to several changing societal factors like legalization, decriminalization, decreased stigmatization, decreased perception of harm, and purported health benefits.  As sales and consumption numbers climb, the data regarding the long-term health consequences of cannabis use continues to develop, with specific cautions being issued for individuals with susceptibilities to mental Illnesses like various forms of psychosis and depression.  As additional health hazards are elucidated in emerging studies, it is similarly important for the motivations and influences behind consumption to be characterized and understood.  This study aims to investigate impulsivity traits in young adults, and how they relate to cannabis expectancies and subsequent use.   

The study’s sample is composed of 478 undergraduate students from a large four-year university in the state of Wyoming (N=478, 63.2% female).  These participants completed online surveys which assessed the following measures: demographics, past- month cannabis use, cannabis expectancies (via Marijuana Effect Expectancies Questionnaire), and impulsivity (via UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale).  Specific cannabis expectancies included those related to relaxation and tension reduction, social and sexual facilitation, perceptual and cognitive enhancement, impairment, global negative effects, craving and physical effects. Impulsivity traits included positive and negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking.  The data was analyzed using a zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression model. 

Results of the data analysis model found a variety of relationships between the measured variables.  First, the presence of sensation seeking traits combined with positive cannabis expectancies increased the probability of cannabis consumption as well as the past-month frequency with which it was used.  Second, strong negative expectancies, combined with either positive or negative urgency, were found to decrease use likelihood.  Third, low measures for negative expectancies, combined with high measures for lack of premeditation, increased likelihood of cannabis use.  

Takeaway: the results of this study fall in line with a growing body of literature which supports many aspects of the acquired preparedness model of substance use.  This model highlights the importance of assessing impulsivity and individual expectancies when identifying and treating at-risk individuals.  Certain relationships between specific variables in these behavioral trait categories may provide insight in designing intervention protocols.

Falco CA, Young KPD, Livingston NR, Kilwein TM, Looby A. Cannabis Use Is Differentially Associated with Individual Facets of Impulsivity through Expectancy Effects: A Comprehensive Application of the Acquired Preparedness Model. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 2021;0(0):1-10. doi:10.1080/02791072.2021.1880034