Unlocking the Motives Behind Cannabis Use: A Comprehensive Review

Cannabis has traveled a winding road through human history, emerging today as a plant with numerous uses, both medicinal and recreational. Understanding the motives behind cannabis use is essential for distinguishing between therapeutic benefits and potential risks. This article delves into recent research exploring why individuals turn to cannabis, offering insights into its impact on health policies, clinical practices, and societal norms.

Motives for Cannabis Use: A Multi-Dimensional Approach

Coping with Stress and Anxiety

Many users turn to cannabis as a coping mechanism, aiming to alleviate stress and anxiety. However, **research highlights the potential overlap** between coping motives and the development of cannabis use disorder (CUD).

Enhancement and Enjoyment

Another prevalent motive is **enhancement**, where users seek to amplify experiences, such as social interactions or creative processes, through cannabis.

Medical and Health-Oriented Reasons

Cannabis is often used for perceived medical benefits, such as pain relief or management of chronic conditions. A critical concern is the intersection between medical motives and coping, which may contribute to problematic patterns of use.

Recent Findings: Exploring Diverse Cannabis Motives

• The majority of studies focus on motives derived from the motivational model.
• Coping motives stand out as a primary reason for cannabis use.
• Medical motives overlap with coping, indicating potential risks and the need for improved understanding.

Implications for Research, Practice, and Policy

Research Needs

Future research is crucial to distinguish between medical and coping motives. This distinction can shape our understanding of cannabis use and inform more effective interventions.

Impact on Policy and Practice

Insights from cannabis motive studies can guide public health policies and clinical practices, ensuring that strategies address both beneficial and potentially harmful uses.

Conclusion: Unraveling the Complexity of Cannabis Use

Understanding the multifaceted motives driving cannabis use is paramount for harnessing its benefits while mitigating risks. This knowledge can shape the future of cannabis-related health policies and clinical research, ensuring safer consumption patterns and informed decision-making.

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CATEGORY: Science