t users by decreasing tolerance levels to cannabis. However, no prior research, to our knowledge, has compared the effects of T-breaks and other use breaks on cannabis use patterns and outcomes. The current study examined whether the occurrence of cannabis use breaks (tolerance and other use breaks), or the duration of these breaks, is associated with changes in hazardous cannabis use (CUDIT-R), CUD severity, cannabis use frequency, and withdrawal symptoms over a 6-month follow-up. Methods: Young adult recreational cannabis users (N=170, 55.9% female, Mean age=21 yo) completed baseline and on time 6-month assessments of hazardous cannabis use (CUDIT-R), CUD severity, cannabis use frequency, and withdrawal symptoms. The occurrence of cannabis use breaks and the duration of these breaks during the intervening period was assessed at 6 months. Results: Taking a T-break was associated with an increase in hazardous cannabis use and CUD severity at 6 months. When considering cannabis use breaks for other reasons, a longer break was associated with a significant decrease in hazardous cannabis use (CUDIT-R), CUD severity, and cannabis use frequency at 6 months. Conclusion: Findings from our study suggest users who take a T-break may be at greater risk for problematic cannabis use. In addition, taking a longer cannabis use break for other reasons may have beneficial effects on cannabis-related outcomes. The ability to abstain from cannabis for other reasons may be protective while individuals who take T-breaks may be important targets for intervention and prevention. Keywords: Cannabis, Tolerance break, T-break, Hazardous use, Recreational, Young adults 1.1. Introduction Cannabis is the most commonly used substance, after alcohol, and rates of hazardous use, and cannabis use disorders (CUDs), have steadily increased in recent years ( Hamilton et al., 2019 ). In 2021, young adult (19–30) cannabis use reached historically high prevalence levels in the United States since first

Objective: To explore the feasibility and utility of a tolerance break (T-break) guide on young adults' cannabis use. Participants: Young adults aged 18-29 (n=125) who were current cannabis users. Methods: Participants recruited through posters and listservs at various universities were offered the T-Break Guide to help complete a 21-day cannabis break. Bivariate analyses examined associations between Guide use and follow-up measures. Intervention: The T-Break Guide was designed to help people complete a 21-day break from cannabis. For each day of the break, the Guide offers inspiration in the form of a quote, reflections based on likely experiences occurring at that point during the break, advice on ways to overcome challenges, alternative activities in which to engage, and encouragement. The first week focuses on physical symptoms of cannabis withdrawal (e.g., sleep, appetite); the second week focuses on the emotional experience (e.g., anxiety, boredom); and the third week focuses on behavioral aspects (e.g., examining patterns, connections). The T-Break Guide follows the Motivational Interviewing principles of affirmation and autonomy. Results: Compared to non-Guide users, participants who used the Guide “a lot” were more likely to complete the 21-day abstinence break (84% vs. 57%), revise their personal definition of balance to mean less cannabis (84% vs. 62%), and plan a future break (32% vs. 11%). Conclusion: Use of this self-directed Guide may help young adults take a break from cannabis use and reduce future use, and offers a novel approach to cannabis harm reduction. Further research to test the Guide’s longer-term efficacy is needed. Abstracts from the 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Research Society on Marijuana: July 22–24, 2022 | Cannabis Abstracts from the 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Research Society on Marijuana July 22–24, 2022 Authors Special Section Editor: Benjamin O. Ladd University of Washington Vancouver Abstract . Downloads PDF Published 2022-09-07 Issue Vol. 5 No. 2 (2022): Cannabis Section Conference Abstracts License Copyright (c) 2022 Special Section Editor: Benjamin O. Ladd This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .