Analyzing the Behavior of Cannabis Users during the COVID-19 Confinement in Spain

Sergio Fernández-Artamendi, Manuel J. Ruiz and Carla López-Núñez
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Sergio Fernández-Artamendi: Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Dos Hermanas, 41704 Sevilla, Spain
Manuel J. Ruiz: Department of Psychology and Anthropology, Faculty of Education, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Carla López-Núñez: Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, School of Psychology, University of Seville, 41010 Sevilla, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-8

Abstract: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our lives is unquestionable, including in the area of substance consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the pattern of cannabis use during the Spanish COVID-19 lockdown and confinement, and to analyze the variations in the reported motives for cannabis use and withdrawal symptoms. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted between April and May 2020, using an instrument that included two time points. Time 1 collected retrospective information on the participants’ habits (N = 89; 73% male; mean age = 29.01) prior to confinement and Time 2 collected the same information during the confinement. Sociodemographic data were collected, as well as the frequency of substance use, cannabis use patterns, sources of cannabis, perceived availability of drugs and cannabis price, and the Marijuana Motives Measure questionnaire and the Cannabis Withdrawal Scale were used. Results showed a decrease in both cannabis use and consumption due to enhancement and social motives. All reported sources of cannabis experienced a reduction except for the Internet, which experienced a significant increase. There was a positive correlation between withdrawal symptoms and coping motives before and during the lockdown. These findings will allow professionals to better develop both prevention and intervention strategies.

Keywords: cannabis; confinement; COVID-19; lockdown; Spain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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