Table 3 Frequencies of “most important” negative health effects associated with cannabis use reported by Canadian youth and young adults (N = 870)
From: Cannabis health knowledge and risk perceptions among Canadian youth and young adults
% | (N) | |
|---|---|---|
Physical concerns | ||
Decreased brain function, cognitive abilities | 24.7 | (215) |
Respiratory function | 23.8 | (207) |
Addiction | 16.4 | (143) |
Carcinogenic | 9.7 | (84) |
Harmful effects from smoking | 7.2 | (63) |
Hunger/“munchies” | 6.7 | (58) |
Drowsiness | 6.1 | (53) |
General detriment to health | 5.4 | (47) |
Issues with circulation, heart palpitations | 5.3 | (46) |
Dry mouth | 3.6 | (31) |
Youth health, developmental concerns | 3.0 | (26) |
Bad/“gross” smell | 2.6 | (23) |
Drug interactions, concerns about tainted product | 2.1 | (18) |
Obesity | 2.0 | (17) |
Dizziness | 1.8 | (16) |
Nausea | 1.6 | (14) |
Red eyes | 1.5 | (13) |
Vision problems | 1.4 | (12) |
Sexual health | 1.4 | (12) |
Death | 1.1 | (10) |
Psychological Concerns | ||
Reaction time related to driving or other activities | 9.3 | (81) |
Mental health issues | 9.3 | (81) |
Judgment/Inhibition issues | 8.5 | (74) |
Memory loss | 8.4 | (73) |
Loss of motivation | 7.5 | (65) |
Anxiety/panic | 5.5 | (48) |
Depression | 3.7 | (32) |
Hallucinations | 3.7 | (32) |
Loss of concentration | 3.7 | (32) |
Paranoia | 3.4 | (30) |
Being high | 1.6 | (14) |
Schizophrenia | 1.1 | (10) |
Psychosis | 1.1 | (10) |
Social concerns | ||
Gateway drug | 1.7 | (15) |
Behavioural changes | 1.5 | (13) |
Money problems | 1.0 | (9) |
Do not know/refused | ||
Do not know | 10.0 | (87) |
Refused | 1.7 | (15) |