Cannabis use predicted food insecurity 6-12 months later, food insecurity predicted cannabis use and higher spending on cannabis, and both associations were stronger among parents than non-parents.
Social workers, food security advocates, substance use counselors, and policymakers addressing poverty
What the researchers found
W1 cannabis use predicted W2 food insecurity (AOR=1.62); W2 food insecurity predicted W2 cannabis use (AOR=1.44), greater cannabis expenditures (AOR=1.44), and greater impact of cost on use (AOR=1.92); associations were stronger among parents.
Why it matters
The bidirectional relationship means cannabis use can contribute to food insecurity AND food insecurity can drive cannabis use — creating a cycle that particularly threatens families with children.
The numbers in context
3,437 young adults; 46.6% used cannabis (W1); 48.2% food insecure (W2); 22.9% both; cannabis→food insecurity AOR=1.62; food insecurity→cannabis use AOR=1.44; food insecurity→cost impact AOR=1.92.
How the study worked
Two-wave longitudinal survey of 3,437 US young adults (ages 18-34) from 2023-2024, examining bidirectional associations between cannabis use and food insecurity with logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographics.
What this study cannot tell us
Self-reported data; two waves may not capture full temporal dynamics; food insecurity has many causes beyond cannabis spending; legal status varies by state.
How to read the evidence
Longitudinal design with appropriate adjustment and parental status moderation, though self-report and two-wave design limit causal conclusions.
When this study was published
Published in 2026 with 2023-2024 data, reflecting post-pandemic economic pressures on young adults.
The bigger picture
With cannabis spending competing with food budgets, and food insecurity driving substance use as coping, addressing either problem requires understanding the other — especially for young families.
Questions still open
- Would cannabis cost reduction (e.g., through legalization lowering prices) worsen or improve the food insecurity link? Should food assistance programs screen for cannabis use?
Common questions
Does cannabis use cause food insecurity?
Are parents more affected?
Read the original research
Cannabis Use and Food Insecurity Risk Among U.S. Adults With And Without Children.
American journal of preventive medicine, 70(2), 107740
Citation
Chakraborty, Rishika; Headrick, Gabby; Romm, Katelyn F; Wang, Yan; McCready, Darcey M; Cavazos-Rehg, Patricia A; Schubel, Laura C; Speer, Morgan; Yang, Y Tony; Berg, Carla J. (2026). Cannabis Use and Food Insecurity Risk Among U.S. Adults With And Without Children.. American journal of preventive medicine, 70(2), 107740. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2025.107740
Explore the wider topic
- How to Talk to Your Teenager About Weed (Without Losing Them)
- My Kid's Friends Smoke Weed: A Parent's Guide
- I Smoke Weed But Don't Want My Kids To: Navigating the Hypocrisy
- Quitting Weed as a Parent: Why It Is the Hardest and Most Important Quit
- Quitting Weed as a Teen or Young Adult
- My Kid Is Smoking Weed: A Parent's Guide