Who Volunteers for Cannabis Research? Examining potential research participation in cannabis research among emerging adults

Authors

  • Maha N. Mian Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
  • Brianna R. Altman Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
  • Mitch Earleywine Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA

Abstract

Research on cannabis users has the potential to suffer from volunteer bias. The sensitive nature of substance use might play an influential role in studies investigating cannabis consumption, particularly in the emerging adult population. The present study examined cannabis use and willingness to participate in cannabis-related research in emerging adults. Undergraduates enrolled in a psychology course (N = 262) reported frequency of use and willingness to participate in hypothetical research studies on cannabis that varied in type and compensation. Logistic regression analyses revealed that women were more likely to participate in a survey for a prize, and both women and non-cannabis users were less likely to participate in a lab study for science. In addition, those who used cannabis less frequently were less willing to participate in an ingestion study for science and an ingestion study for pay. These findings reveal important trends exist in potential participation for cannabis-related research in the emerging adult population, specifically around gender and cannabis use. The results suggest cautious interpretation for the generalizability of studies on cannabis in undergraduate students. Most work might be free of bias but the results of laboratory administration of cannabis might prove difficult to generalize to women and infrequent users of cannabis.

Additional Files

Published

2019-07-30

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2019): Cannabis

Section

Original Report