title: Factors associated with variability and stability of cannabis use in young adulthood.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study investigated the factors associated with initiating cannabis use, reverting to cannabis use and remaining a cannabis user in young adulthood. This is an important area of research as the risk for cannabis initiation is extending beyond adolescence and opportunities to influence cannabis use pathways can emerge throughout the life-course.
  
  
  METHODS
  A large, community-based sample was followed prospectively. Data from two successive waves (mean age 23 years and 27 years respectively) of the Path Through Life Study (PATH) were analysed (n=2045). The longitudinal design enabled change in cannabis use in young adulthood to be predicted based on factors assessed approximately four years prior.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An environment of licit drug use was strongly associated with initiating cannabis use (tobacco: OR=4.98, 95%CI: 2.31-10.76) and reverting to cannabis use in young adulthood (alcohol: OR=2.13, 95%CI: 1.42-3.19). Greater fun seeking was found to orientate people towards initiating cannabis use in young adulthood (OR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.04-1.30). Higher psychoticism increased the odds of remaining a cannabis user (OR=1.19, 95%CI: 1.07-1.33). Religious involvement was protective of cannabis initiation (OR=0.89, 95%CI: 0.83-0.95). Early childhood factors did not influence the pattern of cannabis use in young adulthood.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings make an important contribution to the development of prevention and intervention strategies for young adults by drawing attention to specific areas of risk and protection.
authors.affiliation: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. Electronic address: e.silins@unsw.edu.au.
authors.forename: Edmund
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Silins
authors.forename: Delyse
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hutchinson
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Swift
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Slade
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Toson
authors.forename: Bryan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rodgers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005006:Ethnicity; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D012067:Religion; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cannabis use; Intervention; Prevention; Risk; Young adults