Cannabis has been the most widely used “illicit” substance in the United States for the past several decades and is increasingly more prevalent in light of the legal and political shifts surrounding cannabis use. Cannabis use is particularly common in individuals who experience medical symptoms or conditions and psychological disorders. For example, it is estimated 43-48% of individuals with cannabis use disorders also have a comorbid anxiety or mood disorder. Yet there is little limited understanding of how and why this comorbidity occurs and its impact on chronic disease or mental health burden. Our research in this arena focuses on understanding how anxiety and reactivity to physical and emotional distress states promote use of cannabis to cope with distress, which can increase risk for problematic cannabis use. Our research also evaluates cannabis use among individuals utilizing the drug for management of medical symptoms or conditions, such as pain management. We also evaluate vaporization of cannabis, or “vaping,” given that it is rapidly becoming a prevalent mode of cannabis administration.
