Predictors of medical and non-medical motives of cannabis use in Finland: A cross-sectional survey study

Abstract

Policies regarding cannabis continue to develop worldwide as scientific research into benefits and harms for both therapeutic and recreational use becomes more detailed. Here, we report results from a cross-sectional survey (n = 537) from Finland which aimed to identify factors associated with cannabis use for recreational versus medical purposes. Several demographic and cannabis related factors were used to predict medical cannabis use with logistic regression analysis. Medical cannabis use was associated with female gender, older age, lower education, using edible cannabis products such as oils, and using cannabis more frequently compared to recreational use. The study points toward important demographic, behavioral, and use factors differentiating recreational and therapeutic use of cannabis. These are relevant to consider when designing future studies as well as appropriate harm reduction and cannabis policy measures for the needs of different people who use cannabis and cannabinoids for multifactorial motives experiencing various effects.