A recent review of research has raised questions about the widely assumed connection between cannabis use and video gaming. While many studies suggest a positive relationship between the two activities, others reveal no significant correlation or even a negative association.
Published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, this scoping review analyzed 25 studies conducted from 2000 to 2025. The findings indicate that discrepancies in how researchers measure cannabis consumption and video gaming behaviors contribute to these mixed results.
The review highlights that both cannabis use and video gaming are prevalent among adolescents and young adults, often serving as sedentary activities for relaxation. Despite the common belief that these behaviors are intertwined, the evidence remains inconclusive. The authors noted, “Results demonstrate that existing literature is heterogenous in its methods and mixtures, yet evidence suggests that a relationship does exist.”
Most articles reviewed reported a positive link between video gaming and cannabis use. However, some studies found no significant relationship, and a few even indicated a negative correlation. This variation suggests that the relationship may not be straightforward or universal.
The researchers pointed out that inconsistencies in study methodologies complicate the matter. Definitions of both video gaming and cannabis use vary widely among studies. Some research included mobile and arcade games while others focused solely on console and computer games. Similarly, approaches to defining cannabis use ranged from lifetime usage to recent consumption patterns.
Moreover, much of the existing research concentrates on college students, often overlooking more vulnerable populations. Studies indicate that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and with less education face a higher risk of developing cannabis use issues, yet they remain underrepresented in the literature.
Despite the challenges, the authors of the review noted that interest in the relationship between cannabis use and gaming is growing, with most studies published in the last decade. They emphasize the need for standardized definitions and methods in future research. This would ensure that findings are comparable and contribute to a clearer understanding of how these two behaviors might relate.
The review advocates for further exploration of non-linear relationships between cannabis use and gaming, as well as studies that include non-student young adults and older populations. Additionally, qualitative research could provide contextual information that complements quantitative data.
In popular culture, the connection between cannabis and gaming is often reinforced. For instance, a 2023 survey of NHL players revealed that many prefer cannabis and video games over alcohol and partying. Furthermore, a recent popular video game titled ‘Schedule I’ humorously alludes to drug dealing, reflecting ongoing cultural themes.
Interestingly, the DEA has suggested that video games may serve as a deterrent to drug use among youth, promoting them as an alternative leisure activity.
As research continues to evolve, it remains essential to approach the cannabis-video gaming relationship with a critical eye, recognizing the need for rigorous studies that can provide clearer insights into these intertwined activities.
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