Mediating and moderating factors in cannabis use among young adults: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To identify and synthesize recent evidence on the moderating and mediating factors that influence cannabis use in young adults, with the aim of updating the available literature and generating a critical analysis from a nursing perspective. Method: A scoping review of original articles published between 2020 and 2026 was conducted in databases such as PubMed/Medline, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus, and JSTOR. A search strategy using MeSH terms combined with Boolean operators was applied. After applying inclusion criteria (primary articles in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, focusing on individuals aged 18 -25 years) and exclusion criteria (duplicates, incomplete articles, off-topic articles), 21 articles were selected for analysis. Main results: Gender is the main moderator; men show a higher prevalence of cannabis use, while women experience a higher prevalence associated with anxiety and emotional dysregulation. The legal framework and socioeconomic level act as contextual moderators that alter risk perception. Peer pressure and cannabis use as a coping mechanism for academic stress stand out as mediators. Structured time management and family support are considered protective factors. General Conclusion: Cannabis use in young adults is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon. Understanding it requires integrating the analysis of lifestyle, social, and cultural contexts, which highlights the need to design more specific and sustainable preventive and educational interventions.