How young adults manage daily cannabis use responsibly

This qualitative study examined the daily cannabis use patterns of 46 young adults aged 18-34 in Quebec, Canada, following the country's legalization in 2018. Using semi-structured interviews and the COM-B behavioral model, researchers identified that daily use is driven by diverse motivations including mental and physical health management, relaxation, spiritual practice, and enhancement of everyday experiences. The findings challenge the assumption that daily cannabis users are simply recreational consumers—instead, most participants demonstrated sophisticated self-awareness about their use and intentionally employed control strategies to manage consumption.

The majority of participants reported implementing deliberate strategies to integrate cannabis use into their daily lives while minimizing disruption to work, school, and social obligations. Common approaches included limiting use to evenings, adjusting dosage and product types, and abstaining before professional or academic commitments. This finding suggests that many young adults in legalized jurisdictions view cannabis as a manageable substance that can be incorporated into structured routines. However, the study also revealed that despite positive perceptions, participants acknowledged real risks including dependency and physical health effects.

These results highlight that cannabis use among young adults is multifaceted and shaped by both internal motivations and external responsibilities. The research underscores the importance of developing public health approaches in legalized markets that recognize the diverse ways users manage consumption rather than applying one-size-fits-all messaging. Understanding these self-regulation strategies and motivations is critical for policymakers and health professionals working to balance public health concerns with the lived experiences of cannabis users.