Brief report: Synthetic cannabinoid use among military personnel.
John Stogner, Orion Santangelo, Julie Marie Baldwin
American Journal on Addictions January 2024 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13482 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 318 |
| Population | Veterans participating in eight US veterans treatment courts |
| Key findings | Among 318 veterans in treatment courts, 65 (21.3%) reported synthetic cannabinoid use. Thematic analysis identified three themes: synthetic cannabinoids were not a suitable marijuana replacement, the experience was unpleasant or problematic, and curiosity, sometimes paired with the perception of safely eluding drug screens, facilitated use. The authors conclude habitual use within the Armed Forces does not appear widespread, and that unpleasant experiences generally discourage recurrent use. |
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) may function as a marijuana alternative for soldiers subject to frequent drug screens, yet no study has interviewed past military users of SCs. Veterans participating in eight US veterans treatment courts were interviewed (n = 318; response rate = 54.9%). Thematic analyses were completed. Sixty-five veterans (21.3%) reported SC use. Three major themes were identified: SCs were not a suitable marijuana replacement, the experience was unpleasant/problematic, and curiosity, sometimes paired with the perception of safely eluding drug screens, facilitated use.
Conclusion: AND SCIENTIFIC
Significance: While members of the military experimented with SCs, habitual use of SCs within the Armed Forces does not appear widespread. The perception that SCs are excluded from all urinalyses may contribute to experimentation, but the unpleasant experience generally discourages recurrent use.