Abstract<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This debate paper discusses six reasons why the term \u201crecreational substance use\u201d should be avoided. (1) Social norms and beliefs are drivers of behavior; therefore, the normalized use of the term conveys injunctive norms of a fully socially acceptable substance. Injunctive norms are the most important drivers of initiation into substance use. (2) The illusion of being in control, suggesting that if consumed for leisure and recreation it can easily be controlled; (3) Idealized social representations that fuel an idealized image of an alternative glamourous or mindful consumption culture; (4) Downplaying potential harms; (5) The implicit promise of everyday pleasure, the ever-growing potency of cannabis products does not fit the narrative of its use for recreation; (6) Industry as a trojan horse branding discourse of the concept of medical cannabis to normalize the image of non-medical use: to complement \u201ctherapeutic\u201d with \u201crecreational\u201d. \u201cRecreational use\u201d is a subjective ill-defined term. This debate paper aims to find a better terminological solution, honestly denominating with a neutral, unbiased, and objective connotation what is now called \u201crecreational use\u201d. Thus, we propose using the term \u201cnon-therapeutic\u201d use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n