Table 3.
Frequencies of “most important” negative health effects associated with cannabis use reported by Canadian youth and young adults (N = 870)
| % | (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) |
*Concerns accounting for < 1% of overall responses are omitted here