Abstract
Background Research suggests that individuals who use cannabis often have more positive expectations about its effects compared to those who do not. Cannabis use is also associated with increased negative affect, but the impact of these affective symptoms on the relationship between expectation of effects and frequency of use has not been fully explored. Preliminary descriptive outcomes for this study looked at differences in negative affect and expectancies based on cannabis use status, location of residence, and gender. The study's primary aim investigates if negative affect moderates the relationship between expectations and cannabis use. Methods Participants (N = 421) were recruited nationally and internationally through online platforms and in the community, with an average age of 30 years. Of the sample, 49.4% were female, 53.2% were US-residents, and 47.7% were currently using cannabis. Self-report questionnaires assessed negative affect in the last week, expectations of cannabis effects, and frequency of use. Results Those who use cannabis had significantly higher positive and lower negative expectations compared to those who do not. U.S. residents reported higher positive expectations and lower negative affect than international residents. Regression models showed that positive expectations predicted increased cannabis use, and negative expectations predicted decreased use. A significant interaction was found between positive expectations and negative affect, with negative affect amplifying the positive association between positive expectations and use frequency. Conclusions These results support the role of expectancies on cannabis use patterns and extend the literature to suggest that higher negative affective symptoms strengthen the association between positive expectations and increased use. These findings highlight the importance of addressing both expectations and affect states in a variety of populations when understanding cannabis use patterns.