(Don’t fear) the reefer: Cannabis worldview beliefs and the management of death-related existential concerns among high frequency cannabis users

Abstract

Introduction: The current research employed a terror management framework to understand the cognitive effects of frequent drug use. The study focused specifically on cannabis users and tested the hypothesis that frequent cannabis use is associated with the development of cannabis-related worldview beliefs that take on an existential function for frequent users. Method: Participants (N = 226) answered questions about their cannabis use and completed a measure of cannabis worldview investment. Thereafter, they were randomly assigned to a cannabis worldview threat (vs. no threat) condition and completed measures of death-thought accessibility (DTA) and cannabis worldview defense. Results: A positive association between frequency of cannabis use and cannabis worldview investment was observed. Moreover, among high frequency cannabis users, those highly invested in the cannabis worldview evinced significantly more DTA following exposure to the worldview threat than no threat condition. Participants with high investment in the cannabis worldview also showed more derogation of the cannabis worldview threat (vs. no threat) essay-author. However, this relationship was not influenced by DTA or frequency of cannabis use. Discussion: A terror management perspective on drug use is discussed, including implications for understanding drug abuse, addiction, and treatment.