The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life for everyone, but recent research has focused on its specific impact on young adults. Amid the disruptions and uncertainties, many found comfort in an old friend—cannabis.
In a study published in the journal BMC Public Health, researchers from Canada conducted semi-structured interviews with young adults to explore their increased cannabis use during the pandemic. What they found offers valuable insights into the role of cannabis during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
Rise of Cannabis Use During Pandemic Lockdowns
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every aspect of life. Social distancing, lockdowns, and remote work became the new normal, creating ground for stress, anxiety, and boredom. For many young adults, cannabis emerged as a coping mechanism.
Researchers focused on participants from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study, now aged 33-34. These individuals provided a unique perspective on how the pandemic influenced their cannabis use. Through semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom, the study identified five key themes that shed light on this phenomenon.
The study revealed diverse reasons for increased cannabis use among young adults during the pandemic. These reasons can be grouped into five main themes, each offering a glimpse into the lives of those navigating unprecedented challenges.
No Disruption in Cannabis Use
One finding was the lack of disruption in cannabis use. In Quebec, cannabis stores were deemed essential services, ensuring uninterrupted access. Men, in particular, reported that accessing cannabis during the pandemic was easier than ever, thanks to home delivery and other convenient options.
For many men, cannabis use was already a regular part of their daily routine. The pandemic didn’t change that; if anything, it reinforced it. The consistent availability of cannabis during lockdowns contributed to steady or increased use.
The pandemic forced many businesses to adapt quickly. Cannabis stores were no exception. Enhanced accessibility through home delivery and other measures ensured that regular users faced no obstacles in obtaining their supply.
Cannabis Use to Manage Declines in Mental Health
The covid-19 pandemic took a toll on mental health, with anxiety and stress levels soaring. Many participants reported using cannabis to cope with these heightened emotions. Women, especially mothers, found cannabis to be a lifeline amid job-related stress and increased childcare responsibilities.
“The biggest stressors for me were like the kids being home the whole time, or like for that stretch from March till the end of August. And my work situation, just really feeling completely out of control.”
Interestingly, many women emphasized using cannabis as an alternative to medication for managing mental health symptoms. They weren’t seeking a high; they were seeking relief from the overwhelming stress and anxiety brought on by the pandemic.
“Well, a lot of times it’s when I have my kids my stress level is really, really high. So, around like 6 o’clock, I can’t take it anymore, so I go and smoke like three four puffs in the garage.”
The study highlighted gender differences in cannabis use. While men continued their regular usage patterns, women turned to cannabis more frequently to manage mental health challenges. This distinction is crucial for understanding the broader implications of why people turn to cannabis use during crises.
Cannabis as a Way to Break Up Pandemic Boredom
Boredom was another common theme. The pandemic stripped away many of the activities that young adults relied on for entertainment. Work, gyms, restaurants, and social gatherings were all off-limits. Cannabis became a way to break up the monotony of lockdown life.
“I think, it’s really just boredom, during the pandemic, not [laughs]-not having any action, like, it’s-it’s just that, basically. It wasn’t like, “Oh, my God, I’m sad right now, I want to like forget about it.” No, it was just like, “This is boring! Let’s try some things to like get a little buzz, a little effect.”
Cannabis also became a social activity during the pandemic. Participants described using it with others in their social bubble or during breaks in lockdowns. It provided a sense of connection and a way to pass the time in an otherwise isolating period.
“So it was still kind of a social thing ‘cause I would be smoking in my room while my friends were on video calls, also smoking weed. So it’s like almost like we were doing the same thing that we were doing before, so it was– there was a little bit of social element.”
The legalization of cannabis in Canada brought a flood of new products to the market. Participants reported experimenting with different compositions and formats, from edibles to high-CBD strains. This experimentation added a layer of excitement to the otherwise dull days of lockdown.
Cannabis Use as an Expression of Freedom
For some, cannabis use was about more than just coping—it was about reclaiming a sense of autonomy. The lockdowns imposed strict limits on freedom, making cannabis a form of rebellion. Many participants compared it to their teenage years, a time when experimentation and freedom were more accessible.
“We had gone out one night, and I felt like a teenager again. One of my friends had some edibles in the freezer, so me and my friends were like, “let’s try it”. Uh, well I think, uh, there’s a kind of feeling like, “We got our freedom back”, you know. I must have been feeling a bit wild there you know like “anything goes”.
When restrictions eased, cannabis became a part of social celebrations. Whether it was small gatherings or virtual hangouts, using cannabis was a way to celebrate the fleeting moments of freedom during an otherwise restrictive time.
“Another Way to Chill Out”
Cannabis served as a tool for relaxation and decompression. Participants described using it to wind down from hectic days, often comparing it to having a glass of wine. For many, it was a healthier alternative to alcohol, with fewer side effects.
“Because initially…in the pandemic, it was more like let’s have drinks every night and that I feel has more of an effect on my state the following day, with a hangover, or it triggers a migraine. So I avoid that with cannabis. Which is I guess the lesser of two evils.”
Interestingly, cannabis also played a role in family dynamics. Some women reported using it to connect with their partners after a long day. It became a shared activity that helped strengthen relationships during a stressful period.
“Like I think for… in terms of smoking it, it just became… it was occasionally something to do cause my husband’s smoking it and… it was a nice way to like wind down in the evening kind of thing…it was enjoyable to do when it was… warm at night and we could sit outside and we would talk and we could you know smoke a little bit and chat and stuff like that.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was a period of unprecedented disruption, particularly for young adults. The study published in BMC Public Health offers valuable insights into how this group turned to cannabis as a coping mechanism. From managing mental health declines to breaking up boredom and expressing freedom, cannabis played a multifaceted role in their lives.
