Risk and protective factors of solitary cannabis use among Canadian secondary school students: findings from the COMPASS study.

Butler A.; Doggett A.; Skinner K.; Patte K.; Perlman C.; Leatherdale S. · Health promotion and chronic disease prevention in Canada : research, policy and practice · 2026

**Background & Methods** This cross-sectional study examined risk and protective factors associated with solitary cannabis use among Canadian secondary school students (n=2,899, ages 11-18) who reported past 30-day cannabis use in the COMPASS study (2020-21). Generalized linear mixed models with a stepwise approach and Bayesian imputation framework were used to identify factors associated with solitary use. **Key Findings** • Sixty-six percent of cannabis-using students reported solitary cannabis use in the past 30 days, indicating this is a prevalent behavior among Canadian youth who use cannabis. • All substance use variables examined demonstrated strong associations with solitary cannabis use, suggesting clustering of risky behaviors and polydrug use patterns among youth engaged in solitary consumption. • School connectedness demonstrated preliminary protective effects against solitary cannabis use, with this protection appearing to vary by individual flourishing scores; comprehensive prevention strategies promoting both personal flourishing and equitable school environments may help reduce solitary use and associated health risks. **Dosage & Administration** Not reported. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Not reported. The study notes that solitary cannabis use is linked to mental and behavioral concerns in youth, though specific adverse effects are not detailed. The authors emphasize that solitary use contexts may be associated with greater health impacts and riskier behaviors compared to social use. **Evidence Quality** This study has several limitations. The cross-sectional design prevents establishment of causality or temporal relationships between identified factors and solitary use behavior. The sample consists only of students who reported past 30-day cannabis use, limiting generalizability to the broader youth population. The preliminary nature of key findings (particularly the school connectedness × flourishing interaction) suggests results require replication. Bilingual publication and use of rigorous statistical methods (Bayesian imputation) strengthen methodological quality. The authors acknowledge the need for longitudinal research to understand how behaviors cluster and change over time. Overall, this represents moderate-quality observational evidence providing preliminary insights into solitary cannabis use patterns in Canadian youth.

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