Moderating role of health status on the association between depressive symptoms and cannabis vaping

Abstract

Objective: Cannabis use has significantly increased among college students, and cannabis vaping is a common modality. There is little information on the risk factors for vaping cannabis. Consistent with the self-medication hypothesis, experiencing depressive symptoms and having a chronic medical condition (CMC) are associated with cannabis use among young adults. Individuals who experience both risk factors may be at higher risk for cannabis vaping. This study examined the associations between depressive symptoms, CMC status, and cannabis vaping, and identified the moderating role of CMC status on the association between depressive symptoms and cannabis vaping.

Methods: College students (N= 3,742) self-reported on depressive symptoms (CESD-20), CMC status, and lifetime and current cannabis vaping (i.e., cannabis vaporizers; electronic nicotine devices to use cannabis). Regressions were used to examine aims.

Results: Greater depressive symptoms were related to an increased likelihood of cannabis vaping across all outcomes. Having a CMC was only related to having a lifetime history of cannabis vaporizing (B=0.52, p=.01, CI: 0.118-0.923). CMC status only moderated the associations between depressive symptoms and lifetime cannabis vaporizing (B= -0.023, p =.004, CI: -0.039 - 0.008): Depressive symptoms were only a risk factor for cannabis vaporizing among healthy young adults (B= -0.023, p =.004, CI: -0.039 - 0.008), but not those with a CMC (B = 0.007, p=.303, CI: -0.007 - 0.022).

Conclusions: Comprehensive programs for college students, with and without CMCs, are needed to support those with comorbid depressive symptoms and cannabis vaping.