What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Cannabis Use Threatens Dancer Performance and Professional Expectations

Q: What did this research study find?

A groundbreaking study has shed light on *cannabis use* among dancers, revealing concerning patterns of consumption that potentially impact professional performance. **14.8% of dancers reported failing to meet their professional expectations due to cannabis use**, highlighting a significant potentia

Q: Where was this research published?

Published in Journal of dance medicine & science : official publication of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science on February 10, 2026.

Coping and Expansion Are Concerning Motives for Cannabis Use in a Dancer Cohort.

Journal of dance medicine & science : official publication of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science • February 10, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

A groundbreaking study has shed light on cannabis use among dancers, revealing concerning patterns of consumption that potentially impact professional performance. 14.8% of dancers reported failing to meet their professional expectations due to cannabis use, highlighting a significant potential disruption in their artistic careers. The research utilized the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R) to assess the extent and implications of marijuana consumption within this unique professional population.

The study uncovered two primary motivations for cannabis use among dancers: coping and expansion. Dancers with high CUDIT-R scores were more likely to use cannabis as a coping mechanism, with 56.2% reporting using it to manage stress or emotional challenges. Additionally, 43.8% indicated an "expansion" motive, suggesting they use cannabis to potentially enhance creativity or alter their artistic perception. These motivations correlated strongly with increased risk of performance-related impairment.

The research provides critical insights into substance use within performing arts communities, demonstrating that cannabis consumption can significantly impact professional functionality. While the study does not condemn cannabis use entirely, it raises important questions about the potential professional consequences of marijuana consumption among dancers. The findings underscore the need for further research and potentially supportive interventions to help performers maintain their professional standards while managing personal wellness.

📄 Original Abstract

Introduction: The increasing legalization of recreational marijuana worldwide necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its use. While data exists on marijuana use among theater actors and sport athletes, no data on its use within the dancer population exist, hence this study aims to describe the effects and motives of cannabis use within a dancer cohort. Methods: An online survey was conducted October 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024, involving dancers worldwide who had used cannabis in the past 6 months. The survey focused on motives for cannabis use and the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R). Qualitative methodology with thematic content analysis was employed, and statistical analysis was performed using t-test and chi-square. Results: One hundred and eight dancers completed the survey. Sixteen dancers (14.8%) reported failing to do what was normally expected from them as a dancer due to cannabis use. T-test results revealed that these dancers had an average CUDIT-R score of 19.5, significantly higher than the average score of 7.7 for dancers who did not report such failure (P < .001). Chi-square analysis showed that on average, 93.8% of participants who failed to meet dancer expectations due to cannabis scored above 12 on the CUDIT-R compared to 18.5% of those who did not report failure (P < .001). On average, 56.2% of participants who scored above 12 on the CUDIT-R indicated a coping motive for cannabis use compared to 31.6% of those who scored 12 or below (P = .029). On average, 43.8% of participants who scored above 12 on the CUDIT-R indicated an expansion motive for cannabis use compared to 18.4% of those who scored 12 or below (P = .005). Conclusion: Dancers with high CUDIT-R scores are more likely to fail to do what was normally expected from them as a dancer because of using cannabis, and more likely to cite coping and expansion as motives for cannabis use.Level of Evidence: Level 4.