A latent class analysis of poly-marijuana use among young adults

•Alternative marijuana products (concentrates, edibles) have seen a surge in use.•Latent class analysis of past month marijuana users based on use patterns and driving after use•Four distinguishable classes of marijuana users were found.•Class that used plant-based marijuana plus concentrates tended to use heavily and drive after use.•Poly-marijuana user groups were associated with residence in legalized states.

IntroductionWith more states legalizing marijuana use, the marijuana industry has grown, introducing a variety of marijuana products. Our study explores the use of multiple marijuana products (poly-marijuana use) and the characteristics associated with this behavior.MethodsPast-month marijuana users aged 18-34 years were surveyed online via an existing online panel (n = 2444). Participants answered questions about past-month use of three types of marijuana (plant-based, concentrates, edibles), marijuana use patterns, and driving after use. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of marijuana users.ResultsFour classes of marijuana users were identified: Light plant users, who used only plant-based products infrequently and were unlikely to drive after use (32%); Heavy plant users, who used mainly plant-based products frequently, multiple times per day, and were likely to drive after use (37%); Plant and concentrates users, who used plant-based products heavily and concentrates at least infrequently, used multiple times per day, and were likely to drive after use (20%); Light plant and edibles users, who used both products infrequently and were unlikely to drive after use (10%). Those in legal marijuana states were more likely to belong to the poly-marijuana groups.DiscussionOur findings reflect the increase in popularity of new marijuana products in legal states and suggest that heavy user groups, including concentrates users, are associated with driving after use. As various forms of marijuana use increases, monitoring and surveillance of the use of multiple types of marijuana will be important for determining potential varying impacts on physiological and social consequences.