Perceived great risk of regular cannabis use has declined significantly over a 10-year period in the U.S., accompanied by a modest, but significant, increase in past year non-daily and daily cannabis use. Various sociodemographic and substance use variables, such as sex, race/ethnicity, age, income, educational attainment, and past year cannabis use frequency, were also associated with perceived risk of regular cannabis use. Findings regarding the prevalence of perceived great risk of regular cannabis use help characterize public opinions regarding cannabis, which are particularly relevant given the ongoing debate concerning the medicalization and legalization of cannabis in the U.S. The identified correlates of perceived risk of cannabis use may be helpful when determining which groups should be targeted for prevention interventions. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess whether the observed decline in perceived risk of cannabis use is related to future cannabis initiation and use. Additionally, studies assessing state-level cannabis laws and their impact on perceived risk of use and actual use are needed.
