Help-seeking behaviours among cannabis consumers in Canada and the United States: Findings from the international cannabis policy study

Background

Little literature exists on what sources of help individuals utilize for cannabis-related problems. The current study examined the percentage of consumers who sought help to manage cannabis-related problems, such as perceived cannabis use disorder, the most common sources of help sought, and factors associated with help-seeking.

Methods

Past 12-month cannabis consumers (N = 13,209) completed an online survey from the International Cannabis Policy Study. Past 3-month help-seeking behaviours, respondent’s perceived addiction to cannabis, legal status of cannabis in their jurisdiction, and risky behaviours associated with cannabis use was assessed.

Results

A minority sought help from any source (9.2 %) with the most likely being a doctor/physician (44.9 %). Help-seekers were most likely to be younger, mixed race (p = .011), more educated, financially stable, male, and higher perceived addiction to cannabis (all contrasts p < .001). In comparison to consumers in Canada and ‘legal’ US states, respondents in ‘illegal’ US states were more likely to seek help from family and friends (Canada: AOR = 5.73, 2.21–14.91; US: AOR = 4.76, 2.00–11.11) and less likely to seek help from a doctor/physician (Canada: AOR = 0.46, 0.24–0.90; US: AOR = 0.51, 0.27–0.99).

Conclusion

Roughly 1 in 10 cannabis consumers sought help from a range of sources, including a third who are at high risk of problematic use. More informal sources of help, such as seeking help from online sources are frequently used. Future research should examine these frontline sources of help for cannabis consumers.