As noted by Lorenzetti et al. , quantification based on a more general metric is recommended in situations where the individual cannot accurately estimate the quantity of cannabis use. Estimating the number of “hits” per day also provides a metric by which to assess changes over time, which is consistent with the goals of the CEA. Other estimates of test–retest reliability were moderate to high, supporting the temporal stability of the CEA over a one-week span. As such, the CEA may be useful in tracking changes in use over time. While interventions for cannabis misuse have typically emphasized abstinence-only outcomes, controlled use is also a popular treatment goal . Evaluation of the utility of interventions for cannabis use among individuals who do not want to achieve complete abstinence required the ability to measure changes in cannabis engagement over time. Other measures, such as the DFAQ-CU, while showing good preliminary psychometric properties, do not provide detailed information of use within a specified timeframe. The CEA, in contrast, is designed to assess cannabis grow tray use in the preceding 30 days. Comparison of the CEA to other measures also provided support for its utility.
When compared to related factors on the DFAQ-CU, indicators of frequency and quantity of cannabis use on the CEA generally showed small to moderate associations. One exception is daily sessions of edible use, which showed only a weak association to the DFAQ-CU daily sessions factor. However, the daily sessions factor is only comprised of items that assess sessions of concentrate and dry product use. Therefore, it is unsurprising that sessions of edible use were unrelated to this factor. Overall, the pattern of results suggests that the CEA assesses related, but not identical, aspects of cannabis engagement as compared to the DFAQ-CU. Estimates of frequency generally showed stronger associations with the CUDIT-R than measures of other less directly related constructs. Moderate correlations were generally observed between the CUDIT-R and indicators of cannabis use frequency and quantity. The AUDIT-C showed smaller associations with these same measures, supporting the CEA’s divergent validity. Overall, the CEA shows good psychometric properties which supports its use as a self-report measure of recreational cannabis use in the preceding 30 days. This study has several limitations. First, the number of community participants who agreed to participate in the follow-up interview was small, despite the higher gift card value for participating in the follow-up interview compared to the online survey.
Therefore, test–retest reliability, and the level of agreement between the CEA and TLFB could not be separately examined for the two samples. Second, the study relied on convenience samples.This is not surprising, given the higher prevalence of cannabis use and misuse among males than females in community samples . In contrast, student samples tend to have an overrepresentation of females . Given the observed imbalance within each sample, as well as between the two, it was not possible to assess gender differences. Third, a few CEA variables showed low test–retest reliability. We have therefore eliminated or changed the questions to improve reliability. Lastly,vertical grow systems for sale the study did not include a biological or other objective measure of cannabis use. Future research should also include other methods for assessing cannabis use such as biological measures to further examine the psychometric properties of the CEA. The prevalence and frequency of cannabis use among pregnant and non-pregnant individuals of reproductive age has increased in recent years .
Cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with potential adverse health effects, and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that individuals who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy discontinue cannabis use . Patterns of substance use tend to develop before pregnancy and nearly all individuals who report using cannabis during pregnancy also report using prior to pregnancy . Surveillance of preconception cannabis use is critical given that nearly half of pregnancies in the US are unplanned , and pregnant individuals are particularly at risk for cannabis use during the first trimester. The legalization of cannabis has led to the proliferation of new cannabis products with various modes of administration and is associated with greater preconception cannabis use . The likelihood of quitting cannabis use before pregnancy and the potential adverse health effects to infants exposed to cannabis in utero might vary depending on maternal mode or combinations of modes of cannabis administration .