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Background: Although illegal in most countries, cannabis remains the most common illicit drug in Switzerland and worldwide. While there is growing evidence on adverse effects of cannabis use, most users do not report any problems or negative consequences. In the face of a sustained high prevalence of cannabis use and the recent legalization waves in different parts of the world, it is important to know how cannabis is perceived in the general population and how current users regulate their own use. The present study aims to investigate users' and non-users' attitudes towards cannabis regulations and towards current users. Additionally, self-rated health measures as well as protective behavioral strategies and other cannabis related variables were assessed. Design and methods: We collected data from 380 current users and 659 non-users who were recruited by invitation letter or online media platforms. The data was analyzed using basic descriptive statistical procedures. Results: Results revealed that both groups favor moderate cannabis regulation measures over prohibition and no regulation at all. On average, they report the same subjective health. Protective strategies are often used and are associated with better health and lower severity of dependence in cannabis users. Conclusions: Taken together, results indicate that safe use of cannabis is possible for most users, while there is a group of users at risk of 15-20%, which may benefit from control by regulatory measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As Switzerland faced the "second wave" of COVID-19 incidences, a discussion of a potential vaccine against the virus emerged. While some individuals accept vaccines, others challenge or refuse to be vaccinated, a phenomena called vaccine hesitancy. Here, trust plays a vital role in vaccination intention. Embitterment not only goes along with the sense of being treated unjust but also innates a distrust in others. Thus, embitterment may influence individuals' vaccination intention against COVID-19. In the present study, we investigate how feelings of being socially excluded and the perceived negative impact of the pandemic are associated with embitterment and in turn, how embitterment is related to individuals' vaccination intention and the tendency to hold COVID-19-related conspiracy beliefs (CCBs). This is in regard of the perceived communication style by the government. Method: A convenience sample of 281 individuals completed an online survey developed on Qualtrics. In this cross-sectional, nonexperimental designed study, indirect effects of a moderated serial mediation were analyzed using Jamm (Jamovi, Version 0.9; 2019). Results: Results indicated that embitterment went along with increased feelings of social exclusion (β = 0.45, p < 0.001). Further, individuals high in embitterment generally indicated a higher vaccination intention against COVID-19 (β = 0.15, p < 0.01). However, embittered individuals holding CCBs had a decreased vaccination intention against COVID-19 (β = −0.71, p < 0.001). Thus, whether or not embittered individuals develop CCBs might be a crucial determinant for their vaccination intention. Noteworthy, the relationship between embitterment and the tendency to hold CCBs was reinforced by the notion of an unsatisfactory style of communication by the government. Conclusion: Taken together, results suggest that embitterment not only plays a relevant role in vaccination intention against COVID-19 but also for the susceptibility to engage in conspiracy beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]