# Video gaming and cannabis use: A scoping review

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/research/marijuana-use-for-cannabis-use-scoping-review/
> **Published:** 2026-09-20T21:56:09-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-10-20T13:40:26-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Clinicians should be aware of the potential relationship between video gaming and cannabis use among adolescents and young adults.

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Background and aim: Video gaming (VG) and cannabis use are two behaviors that are particularly prevalent among adolescents and young adults, as they can both be sedentary activities that are used to help decompress. As such, this raises questions about the possible relationship between VG and cannabis use. The aim of the present review is to document the relationship between VG and cannabis use. Methods: A scoping review identified 25 articles published between 2000 and February 2025, and presenting original findings on the relationship between VG and cannabis use. Results: Results demonstrate that existing literature is heterogeneous in its methods and measures. Nonetheless, evidence suggests that a relationship does exist, as the majority of studies did find a positive relationship between VG and cannabis use, although several studies also found no significant relationship, and a few even found a negative relationship. Discussion: Being a new and emerging subject, few studies exist exploring the relationship between VG and cannabis use. Thus, there is much that needs to be explored before drawing clear conclusions on what type of relationship exists between both behaviours. An inability to draw clear conclusions is, in part, due to a lack of consistency in the way both VG and cannabis use have been operationalized, and the use of convenience samples, which have created additional challenges that the field will need to address moving forward.

 

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).