'Spice' Use Motivations, Experiences, and Repercussions among Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Background And Objectives: The potential for synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) to function as an alternative to marijuana without the same risk of a positive urinalyses led to claims of pervasive military SC use. Case studies confirm use among veterans, but no study has adequately explored SC use in the military using detailed interview data.

Methods: Interviews (1-2 h) were conducted with 318 justice-involved veterans.

Brief report: Synthetic cannabinoid use among military personnel.

Background And Objectives: Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) may function as a marijuana alternative for soldiers subject to frequent drug screens, yet no study has interviewed past military users of SCs.

Methods: Veterans participating in eight US veterans treatment courts were interviewed (n = 318; response rate = 54.9%).

Does cannabis testing in the military drive synthetic cannabinoid use? Self-reported use motivations among justice-involved veterans.

Background: Though synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) were controlled after being introduced as a 'legal high,' SCRAs likely remain appealing to individuals subject to routine drug screens as not all testing programs consistently include SCRAs. Military populations have been linked to SCRAs due to the unconfirmed supposition that testing protocols led many to substitute SCRAs for cannabis. This study aimed to explore SCRA use prevalence, correlates, and use motivations among veterans, with a particular focus on whether United States military personnel substituted SCRAs for cannabis to subvert testing protocols.

Court Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This paper reviews the distinct nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and examines the resultant court responses and recommendations disseminated by various entities that support courts. Specifically, we contextualize the current environment the present pandemic has created by considering how it compares to the most-recent previous pandemics. We then review guidelines disseminated to the courts and the modifications and innovations implemented by the courts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Innovative alcohol use: assessing the prevalence of alcohol without liquid and other non-oral routes of alcohol administration.

Background: Though case studies, media reports, and anecdotal evidence point to creative forms of alcohol use such as "eyeballing," inhalation through vaporizers and other "alcohol without liquid" (AWOL) devices, and "slimming" as a growing trend, no empirical study has assessed the veracity of these claims. The present study attempts to debunk, confirm, or alter the popular perception that young adults are administering alcohol in novel ways.

Methods: A self-report paper survey was administered to 2349 young adults selected for inclusion using a stratified random sampling technique.

It's five o'clock somewhere: An examination of the association between happy hour drinking and negative consequences.

Background: This study aims to understand which young adults' drinking behaviors change in the presence of happy hour specials, the ways in which they change, and whether a link exists between happy hour drinking behavior and negative outcomes.

Methods: Using data collected from bar-going respondents (n = 1,423) within a print survey administered to a general college sample (n = 2,349), we identify significant differences in changes in happy hour behavior between demographic groups using χ(2) tests and determine whether this behavior is related to six negative alcohol-related outcomes using logistical and ordinary least squares regression models with a variety of controls, including age of onset and frequency of use.

Results: Women, students under 21, non-athletes, members of Greek-affiliated organizations, more affluent and unemployed students, and students living on campus were more likely to change their drinking behavior in the presence of happy hour specials.