Cannabis Use Among Correctional Workers in Ontario, Canada: Prevalence, Mental Health Comorbidities, and Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Cannabis Use

Recognizing and supporting the mental health needs of correctional workers is a public health priority. Correctional workers experience high levels of potentially psychologically traumatic event exposures, occupational stress, and mental health difficulties; outcomes associated with cannabis use in broader extant health research. However, researchers to date have not adequately examined cannabis use among correctional workers. In the present study, data stem from the Ontario Provincial Correctional Worker Mental Health and Well-being Study, which is a cross-sectional survey distributed to correctional workers in Ontario, Canada (n = 928). Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics, mental health comorbidities, and risk and protective factors related to cannabis use. Many correctional workers in the sample reported using cannabis in the past 6 months (19.1%), of whom 29.1% reported using cannabis four or more times a week. Mental health disorders, childhood adversity histories, occupational stressors, and stigmatizing attitudes towards mental health disclosure and help-seeking were associated with increased odds of past 6-month cannabis use (p < .05). Higher levels of social support and resiliency were associated with decreased odds of past 6-month cannabis use (p < .05). The association of cannabis use with comorbid mental health conditions, adverse childhood experiences, and occupational stress suggests correctional workers who use cannabis might represent a population at higher risk for mental health and substance use concerns that may warrant additional mental health and addictions services, education, and supports.