Lisa D Hawke1, Leanne Wilkins2, Joanna Henderson3. 1. Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 2. Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada. 3. Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Electronic address: joanna.henderson@camh.ca.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Early cannabis use is associated with mental health and substance use (MHSU) challenges into adulthood. Given the vulnerability of youth who use cannabis, it is important to understand their clinical profiles and markers of risk. This cross-sectional descriptive study examines youth who began using cannabis during early adolescence compared to those who initiated at an older age. METHODS: 634 youth and emerging adults (age M = 19.5, SD = 2.3; 46.5% female) were assessed at intake in a Canadian youth mental health and concurrent disorder out-patient service. Measures of demographic characteristics and MHSU were compared for youth who initiated cannabis use under the age of 14 versus 14 years or over. RESULTS: Nearly 30% of youth initiated cannabis use before age 14. Those who initiated cannabis early were younger and had distinct psychosocial risk factors. They were more likely to use cannabis (p = .005), tobacco (p = .006), powder cocaine (p = .030), and/or benzodiazepines (p = .033) at a high frequency. If they used other substances, they were more likely to have begun using them younger (all p < .001). Early initiators had more externalizing mental health symptoms (p = .024), crime/violence concerns (p < .001), and past trauma (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Distinct, clinically meaningful differences emerged between youth who initiated cannabis use early versus later. Early cannabis use is associated with multiple, overlapping needs. Cannabis use and concurrent MHSU should be systematically assessed from an early age, and prevention/promotion efforts should take early onset into account.
INTRODUCTION: Early cannabis use is associated with mental health and substance use (MHSU) challenges into adulthood. Given the vulnerability of youth who use cannabis, it is important to understand their clinical profiles and markers of risk. This cross-sectional descriptive study examines youth who began using cannabis during early adolescence compared to those who initiated at an older age. METHODS: 634 youth and emerging adults (age M = 19.5, SD = 2.3; 46.5% female) were assessed at intake in a Canadian youth mental health and concurrent disorder out-patient service. Measures of demographic characteristics and MHSU were compared for youth who initiated cannabis use under the age of 14 versus 14 years or over. RESULTS: Nearly 30% of youth initiated cannabis use before age 14. Those who initiated cannabis early were younger and had distinct psychosocial risk factors. They were more likely to use cannabis (p = .005), tobacco (p = .006), powder cocaine (p = .030), and/or benzodiazepines (p = .033) at a high frequency. If they used other substances, they were more likely to have begun using them younger (all p < .001). Early initiators had more externalizing mental health symptoms (p = .024), crime/violence concerns (p < .001), and past trauma (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Distinct, clinically meaningful differences emerged between youth who initiated cannabis use early versus later. Early cannabis use is associated with multiple, overlapping needs. Cannabis use and concurrent MHSU should be systematically assessed from an early age, and prevention/promotion efforts should take early onset into account.
Authors: Joanna L Henderson; Leanne K Wilkins; Lisa D Hawke; Wei Wang; Marcos Sanches; E B Brownlie; Joseph H Beitchman Journal: J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 2021-11-01
Authors: Thanthirige Lakshika Maduwanthi Ruberu; Emily A Kenyon; Karen A Hudson; Francesca Filbey; Sarah W Feldstein Ewing; Swati Biswas; Pankaj K Choudhary Journal: Prev Med Rep Date: 2021-12-13
Authors: María Cristina Martínez-Fernández; Cristina Liébana-Presa; Elena Fernández-Martínez; Lisa Gomes; Isaías García-Rodríguez Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-24 Impact factor: 3.390