Young adults in the US start cannabis use earlier

Young adults often experience significant pain, which can lead them to use cannabis. This finding challenges the common belief that pain primarily affects older individuals. Recent studies from Binghamton University highlight this trend among young adults aged 18 to 25. The research, led by Callon Williams and published in Behavioral Medicine and Alcohol, analyzed data from a large survey called the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH). It involved nearly 46,000 young adults and tracked their substance use from 2013 to 2019. During this time, cannabis was legalized in several states, widening the definitions of cannabis use. Researchers discovered that young adults with moderate to severe pain were more likely to begin using cannabis sooner than those with little or no pain. They also found that individuals in pain were 1.4 times more likely to use both cannabis and alcohol together, which can lead to risky behaviors. The studies suggest that pain could play a crucial role in why some young adults turn to substances like cannabis and alcohol. The researchers advise that healthcare providers should consider assessing pain levels when working with this age group, as it may influence their substance use choices. Overall, this research opens up new avenues for understanding the relationship between pain and substance use in young adults.