Leveraging Mobile Technology: A systematic review of mHealth interventions with Cannabis Users
Authors: Sharp Claire , Blanchard Lani , Barnett Jenn , Phillips Michael 
Published: March 2022

Cannabis is commonly used by young adults (18-25), and these transitional years can be crucial as they tend to have the highest rates (5%; 1.8 million in the U.S.) of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD; SAMHSA, 2016). Current survey data suggest 25% of university students use cannabis monthly or greater and 6% daily (Schulenberg et al., 2019) and even higher (38-39%) in states with legal recreational cannabis use (Pearson et al., 2017). Burgeoning research has shown that chronic, heavy cannabis use is associated with a host of negative consequences, including symptoms/diagnosis of CUD, as well as anxiety, depression, and psychosis, among other health issues (Arseneault et al., 2002; Buckner et al., 2010; Degenhardt et al., 2003; Midanik, Tam, & Weisner, 2007; Simons et al., 2010; Solowij & Pesa, 2010). With the number of young adults diagnosed with CUD, there is a growing need for intervention strategies. However, rates of individuals seeking formal treatment for cannabis use has been low (Prince et al., 2020). With widespread access, it has become easier to employ mobile technology for health interventions (Kumar et al., 2013). The overall objective of this systematic review was to explore the utilization of different mHealth interventions for cannabis users to investigate different types and ways these interventions are implemented, targeted outcomes, along with the types of studies being conducted (e.g., RCT, feasibility, interviews, usability, etc.). Methods: A search of PsycInfo and PubMed was conducted for relevant articles with the following search terms: mHealth app/web-based intervention/internet-based intervention/telehealth/JITAI/EMI/Ecological Momentary Intervention/Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention/in the moment/Mobile Intervention/Smartphone Intervention/Wearable Devices AND Cannabis/Marijuana Peer-reviewed original research in English was targeted, which focused on mHealth interventions for adults (over 18 years of age) targeting cannabis use and needed both a mobile intervention and provided data on at least one outcome (e.g., reduced craving or cannabis use) or feasibility of intervention. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods were all included. Results: The total number of records identified that fit the criteria based on a review of titles and abstracts were 33 (9 from PsycInfo and 24 from PubMed). After duplicates were removed, 27 were screened and 9 records were excluded for failure to meet search criteria after full review of the articles. The remaining records (n=18) were assessed for eligibility and data were extracted. Based on preliminary findings, the majority have been feasibility and usability studies (83%). Roughly half were conducted in the U.S., with the rest in European countries, and one in Singapore. The timeframe for using the mobile intervention ranged from 1-hour (for usability studies) to 8 months in duration. The types of mobile interventions have varied from text messaging, using a smartphone app, to directing individuals to websites. Roughly 50% have been standalone mHealth interventions, while the other half have been paired with face-to-face counseling sessions. The majority of these interventions have personalized intervention strategies for their participants.