Mental health among LGBTQ cannabis users during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of the COVID-19 cannabis health study

Gattamorta, Karina A.; Salerno, John P.; Islam, Jessica Y.; Vidot, Denise C.

The purpose of this study is to compare the responses of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) cannabis consumers and their non-LGBTQ counterparts on anxiety, depression, substance use, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) coping and stress during the pandemic. Data from an Internet survey of cannabis users during the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed (N = 2,319). Approximately 18% of the sample identified as LGBTQ. Bivariate analyses were used to examine the relationship between LGBTQ identity and symptoms of anxiety and depression, substance use, and pandemic-related coping strategies and stressors. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between pandemic stressors and coping strategies with LGBTQ identity, while adjusting for sex, age, and race and ethnicity. Differences in the proportion of medicinal cannabis use among LGBTQ respondents (74.6%) and non-LGBTQ respondents (75.3%) were insignificant. LGBTQ cannabis users were more likely to report COVID-19-related stressors and coping behaviors, including increased alcohol use. After adjustment for covariates, LGBTQ cannabis users were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety than non-LGBTQ cannabis users. These results show that compared to their cisgender heterosexual counterparts, LGBTQ cannabis users are experiencing more problematic mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement <strong xmlns:lang="en">Public Significance Statement-Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) cannabis users are experiencing more problematic mental health outcomes compared to their cisgender heterosexual counterparts during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This is the first study to show the risk for co-occurring mental and behavioral health concerns at the intersection of LGBTQ identity and cannabis use in the context of the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)