Canadian secondary school students living in areas with greater income inequality were 25% more likely to report daily cannabis use.
Public health researchers, school health professionals, policy analysts
25% higher odds of daily cannabis use in higher-inequality areas
What the researchers found
Among 74,501 Canadian students aged 12-19, a one standard deviation increase in area-level income inequality (Gini coefficient) was associated with a 25% increase in the odds of daily cannabis use (OR=1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.54). Income inequality was not associated with daily cigarette smoking but was linked to daily e-cigarette use among females only.
Why it matters
This is one of the first large-scale studies linking neighborhood-level economic conditions to adolescent cannabis use patterns, suggesting structural factors beyond individual choices may drive daily use.
The numbers in context
74,501 students aged 12-19; 50.4% male; 69.1% white; OR=1.25 (95% CI 1.01-1.54) for daily cannabis use; e-cigarette interaction with gender OR=0.87 (95% CI 0.80-0.94)
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis combining individual-level survey data from Year 6 (2018/19) of the COMPASS study with area-level 2016 Canadian Census data. Used three-level logistic models adjusting for relevant covariates across 74,501 students.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation. Area-level Gini coefficient may not reflect individual household income. Self-reported substance use subject to reporting bias. Canadian context may not generalize internationally.
How to read the evidence
Large sample with multilevel modeling and census data linkage, though cross-sectional design limits causal claims.
When this study was published
Published 2023 using 2018-2019 data
The bigger picture
If income inequality independently influences adolescent substance use, then prevention efforts focused solely on individual behavior may miss important structural drivers. Schools in high-inequality areas may need additional resources.
Questions still open
- What mechanisms connect income inequality to adolescent cannabis use? Would reducing income inequality through policy changes affect youth substance use rates?
Common questions
Does income inequality affect teen cannabis use?
Were other substances affected by income inequality?
Read the original research
Income inequality and daily use of cannabis, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes among Canadian secondary school students: Results from COMPASS 2018-19.
The International journal on drug policy, 115, 104014
Citation
Benny, Claire; Steele, Brian J; Patte, Karen A; Leatherdale, Scott T; Pabayo, Roman. (2023). Income inequality and daily use of cannabis, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes among Canadian secondary school students: Results from COMPASS 2018-19.. The International journal on drug policy, 115, 104014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104014
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