Zihan Tang, Hongying Daisy Dai
Among never-cannabis users, the prevalence of cannabis-use susceptibility increased from 5.8% at baseline (ages: 9-10 years) to 22.7% at the 4-year follow-up (aged:13-14 years). In the pooled generalized estimating equation model, later follow-up waves, economic hardship, prior non-cannabis substance use, parental substance use, and several impulsivity-related traits were associated with higher susceptibility. In contrast, higher parental monitoring, a favorable school environment, and positive child-perceived neighborhood safety were associated with lower susceptibility. Wave-specific models showed that the magnitude and statistical significance of some associations varied across developmental stages.
PURPOSE: Cannabis use during early adolescence can negatively affect brain development and increase the risk of adverse health. We aimed to examine trends and correlates of cannabis-use susceptibility, a psychosocial receptivity construct capturing openness to future use (i.e., absence of a firm commitment not to use, curiosity, and willingness to try if offered) among youth who have not initiated cannabis.
METHODS: This study analyzed five waves of the adolescent brain cognitive development (ABCD) study (11,868 unique participants; n = 33,181 person-wave observations) to estimate the prevalence of cannabis-use susceptibility from late childhood (ages 9-10, baseline) through early adolescence (ages 13-14, 4-year follow-up). We fit wave-specific weighted multivariable logistic regression models and a pooled generalized estimating equations logistic model across all five waves to examine associations of individual, non-cannabis substance use, psychosocial factors, family, school, and neighborhood environmental factors with cannabis-use susceptibility.
RESULTS: Among never-cannabis users, the prevalence of cannabis-use susceptibility increased from 5.8% at baseline (ages: 9-10 years) to 22.7% at the 4-year follow-up (aged:13-14 years). In the pooled generalized estimating equation model, later follow-up waves, economic hardship, prior non-cannabis substance use, parental substance use, and several impulsivity-related traits were associated with higher susceptibility. In contrast, higher parental monitoring, a favorable school environment, and positive child-perceived neighborhood safety were associated with lower susceptibility. Wave-specific models showed that the magnitude and statistical significance of some associations varied across developmental stages.
DISCUSSION: This study highlights the influence of behavioral and environmental factors on cannabis-use susceptibility. Early intervention efforts that enhance parental monitoring, school support, and community environments may help reduce risk.