Substance use typically reaches peak prevalence during emerging adulthood (age 18-25). Cannabis is a common substance used during this time period and its use has been associated with worsening physical and mental health. Around 30% of young adults who use cannabis will also develop cannabis use disorder (CUD). Behavioral interventions have been used for cannabis prevention/early intervention and CUD treatment. These approaches typically involve motivational interviewing (MI) and/or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Recent studies have shown that targeting physical activity (PA) may also be an effective intervention for cannabis use. This randomized control trial examines the effectiveness of a PA- focused social-media delivered cannabis intervention for young adults.  

The study’s sample consisted of 60 young adults age 18-25 who reported using cannabis more than three times during the past month. Participants were randomized to three Facebook groups: PA-only, PA + cannabis, and attention-control. In the attention-control group content unrelated to the intervention topics (cannabis, PA, mental health) were posted. In the PA-only condition e-coaches posted content with PA focused elements. Lastly, in the PA + cannabis group e-coaches posted content related to PA and MI + CBT cannabis interventions. Posts were made approximately 6 times per day for 56 days. During the baseline and follow-up surveys participants were asked to report past 30-day cannabis use cannabis consequences, and cannabis impaired driving. They were also asked to calculate past 30-day PA. Data was analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-squares analyses.  

Results of the data analysis showed that changes in cannabis consequences were -24.4% at 3 months and -17.5% at 6 months in the PA-only group, -10.5% at 3 months and -19.2% at 6 months in the PA + cannabis group, and +1.5% at 3 months and -7.8% at 6 months in the control group. Cannabis impaired driving had the greatest decline at 3 and 6 months in the PA + cannabis group. In regards to overall consumption days, the PA- only group decreased by -24.6%  days and -32.0% days (3 months and 6 months) while the PA + cannabis group reduced days of use by -11.5% at 3 months and increased 4.3% from baseline at 6 months. In the control group there was a decline by -20.1%  and -19.1% at 3 months and 6 months. There was an increase in PA reported in all groups at follow-up 

Takeaway: Physical activity may be an effective intervention target for cannabis use among young adults.  

Bonar, E.E., Chapman, L., Pagoto, S., et al. Social media interventions addressing physical activity among emerging adults who use cannabis: A pilot trial of feasibility and acceptability. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2022;109693. Doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109693