Rather than focusing almost exclusively on at-risk profiles, let’s turn our attention to non-problematic cannabis use.’
— Prof. Jean-Sébastien Fallu, Université de Montréal
Not every cannabis user is dependent. 63% aren’t even close.
Let’s build policy on evidence, not fear.
#CannabisUse #PublicHealth #Montréal
Overview
A University of Montreal study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that among Quebec adults in their mid-30s who used cannabis in the past year, 63% were at low risk for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Lower-risk users tended to use cannabis occasionally and in social contexts, and were more likely to be women or to co-use cannabis with alcohol rather than tobacco. Higher CUD risk was linked to frequent use, solitary consumption, tobacco co-use, lower education, and anxiety symptoms. Researchers call for a shift from problem-focused approaches to evidence-based harm reduction strategies that acknowledge non-problematic cannabis use.
“Not every cannabis user is at risk. 63% = LOW CUD risk.
Lower risk: social, occasional use
Higher risk: frequent, solitary, tobacco co-use
Policy built on worst-case scenarios misses the majority. #HarmReduction #CannabisPolicy”
Clinical Perspective
BEYOND DEPENDENCE: UNDERSTANDING LOW-RISK CANNABIS USE
A U of Montreal study flipped the lens…63% of Quebec adults who used cannabis in the past year were at low risk for CUD. Lower-risk users consumed occasionally in social contexts. Higher risk linked to frequent solitary use, tobacco co-use, anxiety.
Lead researcher Fallu: ‘Rather than focusing almost exclusively on at-risk profiles, let’s turn our attention to non-problematic cannabis use.’ This isn’t dismissing addiction risk. It’s acknowledging most users don’t develop dependence. Harm reduction works better when grounded in the full spectrum of use patterns.
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Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02-cannabis-profile-adults.html