Elevated Demand and Proportionate Substance-related Reinforcement are Associated with Driving after Cannabis Use

Abstract

Objective:Cannabis is the most prevalent illicit drug detected among drug-impaired drivers and the most frequently used illicit drug on college campuses. Behavioural economic variables, such as demand and proportionate substance-related reinforcement, have been identified as risk factors for driving after substance use. Though driving after cannabis use (DACU) represents a significant public health concern, no previous research has investigated behavioural economic predictors of DACU among college cannabis users. The present study evaluated the hypothesis that elevated cannabis demand and proportionate substance-related reinforcement would be associated with DACU among college cannabis users.Method:Participants were 132 college students who reported cannabis use on 4 or more days in the past month. Participants completed a Marijuana Purchase Task that assessed hypothetical cannabis consumption across 20 prices, the Adolescent Reinforcement Survey Schedule-Substance Use Version to measure past-month activity participation and enjoyment from substance-related and substance-free activities, and questions regarding DACU.Results:In ordinal logistic regression models that controlled for past-month cannabis use frequency, gender, age, and ethnicity, cannabis demand (intensity) and substance-related reinforcement were both significantly associated with DACU.Conclusions:These results provide evidence that demand and substance-related reinforcement are associated with DACU. Intervention approaches aiming to reduce DACU among college students should target demand and engagement in substance-free activities.

Publication Title

Canadian Journal of Addiction

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