Changes in Mental Health as a Predictor of Cannabis Coping Motives and Consequences: Examining the Impact of COVID-19 among College Students

Objective: Cannabis use is common among college students and many cannabis to cope with negative affect. The COVID-19 pandemic was a particularly stressful time for students. Subsequently, the present study compared who reported increases in anxiety/depression symptoms since stay at home orders those no change on coping motives, frequency, consequences. Specifically, we examined whether self-reported changes (i.e., group that indicated increases) poor mental health during were associated problematic via higher motives. Method: College (analytic n = 291) completed an online survey research credit regarding their personal health, stressors, behaviors. Results: Individuals increased depressive (57.4% of current sample) due (as individuals whose remained same) significantly motives (d .79) as well more consequences .37). Further, (61.5% anxiety stayed also .47). Moreover, found increase depressive/anxiety endorsement while controlling gender, past-week anxiety/depressive symptoms. Discussion: Providing resources substance-free strategies manage impact may be extremely useful this population.