Brief Interventions for Cannabis Problems in the Postsecondary Setting: a Systematic Review

AbstractCannabis use is common among postsecondary students. With increasing numbers of jurisdictions legalizing recreational cannabis for those who reach a legal age that is likely to occur during postsecondary years, it is important to identify effective ways to ameliorate cannabis-related problems in this group. A systematic review of brief interventions (BI) for cannabis use and problems among postsecondary students was conducted. We included randomized trials of BIs involving postsecondary students between the ages of 18 and 25  years. Seven articles, representing five unique randomized trials from four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were eligible for inclusion. The results provided only modest evidence for beneficial impact of these programs. Although success in reducing the frequency and quanti ty of cannabis use was observed over 30-day follow-up periods in some studies, no studies reported positive longer-term effects on cannabis use. Finally, several methodological concerns were noted, particularly unclear randomization and blinding processes. More research is needed to establish whethe r these interventions are effective in the postsecondary setting, and how they might best be implemented.
Source: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction - Category: Addiction Source Type: research