Black men who have sex with men reported more cannabis use and lower ability to refuse cannabis than other Black men
Black MSM reported higher rates of tobacco and cannabis use and lower cannabis refusal self-efficacy than Black non-MSM, with cannabis use mediating the pathway from sexual minority status to tobacco use.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
MSM reported more tobacco and cannabis use and lower cannabis refusal self-efficacy; path analysis showed indirect effects linking MSM status to tobacco use through cannabis refusal self-efficacy and cannabis use.
Key Numbers
202 participants; 68 reported tobacco use, 121 reported cannabis use, 62 reported co-use in past 30 days; MSM had higher rates across all measures.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional study of 202 Black men ages 18-34 (94 MSM, 108 non-MSM); measured past-30-day substance use and cannabis refusal self-efficacy; path analysis guided by minority stress theory.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis and tobacco co-use patterns differ across populations, and understanding how minority stress drives substance use among Black MSM can inform targeted harm reduction.
The Bigger Picture
Minority stress theory suggests intersecting identities (Black, male, sexual minority) compound substance use risk, with cannabis refusal self-efficacy as a potential intervention target.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional design prevents causal claims; convenience sample may not represent all Black MSM; self-reported substance use; single geographic area.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would strengthening cannabis refusal self-efficacy reduce both cannabis and tobacco use in Black MSM?
- ?Do these patterns hold across different age groups and regions?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 121 of 202 Black men reported cannabis use in the past 30 days
- Evidence Grade:
- Path analysis with theory-driven model, but cross-sectional design and convenience sample limit generalizability.
- Study Age:
- Published 2025
- Original Title:
- Tobacco and Cannabis Use and co-Use, and Cannabis Refusal Self-Efficacy Among Black Men: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Differences Between Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Non-MSM.
- Published In:
- Substance use & misuse, 1-9 (2025)
- Authors:
- Chang, Kyle(2), D'Anna, Laura Hoyt(2), Owens, Jaelen(2), Wood, Jefferson L
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06183
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Did sexual orientation affect cannabis use among Black men?
Yes. Black MSM reported higher rates of cannabis use, tobacco use, co-use, and lower cannabis refusal self-efficacy compared to Black non-MSM.
How were cannabis and tobacco use connected?
Path analysis found cannabis use mediated the relationship between MSM status and tobacco use, suggesting cannabis use may serve as a pathway to tobacco among Black MSM.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06183APA
Chang, Kyle; D'Anna, Laura Hoyt; Owens, Jaelen; Wood, Jefferson L. (2025). Tobacco and Cannabis Use and co-Use, and Cannabis Refusal Self-Efficacy Among Black Men: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Differences Between Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Non-MSM.. Substance use & misuse, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2025.2592877
MLA
Chang, Kyle, et al. "Tobacco and Cannabis Use and co-Use, and Cannabis Refusal Self-Efficacy Among Black Men: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Differences Between Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Non-MSM.." Substance use & misuse, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2025.2592877
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Tobacco and Cannabis Use and co-Use, and Cannabis Refusal Se..." RTHC-06183. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/chang-2025-tobacco-and-cannabis-use
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.