Why do people use cannabis?
Since its legalization in Canada in 2018, cannabis has become part of Quebec’s cultural and social landscape. In 2024, nearly one in five people aged 15 and older reported having used it in the past 12 months (1). However, behind this statistic lies an essential question: why do people use cannabis?
The reasons vary. For some, it is primarily a search for pleasure or relaxation. Others use it to reduce stress, sleep better, or relieve physical pain (2,3). Among young adults, curiosity and peer pressure also play an important role (4). Finally, some people with anxiety or depression report using it as a form of self-medication (5).
However, these desired effects can vary from person to person and even over time. Cannabis acts on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates the body’s internal balance. This explains why the effects can be bidirectional: depending on the dose, the context, and the individual, the same substance can either reduce or increase anxiety; promote sleep, but also, in some cases, disrupt sleep. In general, high doses of THC are mainly associated with fatigue and drowsiness, but in certain situations (e.g., when stopping use or in certain clinical populations), insomnia may occur. This highlights the importance of considering what is consumed, how and when, in order to limit adverse effects and maximize potential benefits (6–8).
The social context also greatly influences consumption. Studies show that isolation, low income, and lack of support increase the likelihood of using cannabis as a coping strategy (8). This clearly shows that consumption depends not only on individual preferences, but also on a person’s living conditions and overall well-being.
In short, there are a multitude of reasons behind cannabis use. Understanding these motivations is essential to better prevent problematic use and optimize its benefits. Providing clear information on the risks, offering personalized support and tips for safer use, suggesting alternatives for managing stress, and improving access to support resources can help reduce the negative consequences of cannabis use, better understand the reality of those who use it, and enhance its therapeutic benefits.
Article by Fares Kadous
References
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Statistique Canada. Enquête canadienne sur le cannabis, 2024. Ottawa : Gouvernement du Canada; 2024. Disponible sur : https://www.statcan.gc.ca/
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Lee CM, Neighbors C, Woods BA. Marijuana motives: Young adults’ reasons for using marijuana. Addict Behav. 2007;32(7):1384-94. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17097817/
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Bonn-Miller MO, Harris AH, Trafton JA. Prevalence of cannabis use disorder diagnoses among veterans in 2002, 2008, and 2009. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2012;43(1):163-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21261407/
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Scholes-Balog KE, Hemphill SA, Patton GC, Toumbourou JW. Cannabis use and related harms in the transition to young adulthood: A longitudinal study of Australian secondary school students. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2016;35(2):161-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23522345/
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Lev-Ran S, Imtiaz S, Rehm J, Le Foll B. Exploring the association between lifetime prevalence of mental illness and transition from first use to dependence on cannabis. Compr Psychiatry. 2013;54(7):850-6.
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Volkow ND, Baler RD, Compton WM, Weiss SRB. Adverse health effects of marijuana use. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(23):2219-27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24897085/
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Bahorik AL, Sterling SA, Campbell CI, Weisner C, Ramo D, Satre DD. Medical and non-medical marijuana use in depression: Longitudinal associations with suicidal ideation, everyday functioning, and psychiatry service utilization. J Addict Med. 2017;11(2):136-43. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30086434/
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Fergusson DM, Boden JM. Cannabis use and later life outcomes. Addiction. 2008;103(6):969-76. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18482420/