Cannabis dispensaries in Oklahoma were disproportionately located in areas with higher rates of uninsured residents, fewer healthcare outlets, and more rental housing, suggesting dispensaries may fill gaps in healthcare access.
Health equity researchers, cannabis policy analysts, rural health specialists
Dispensaries most prevalent in areas with high uninsured rates and no pharmacies
What the researchers found
Analysis of 1,046 Oklahoma census tracts found dispensaries concentrated in areas with higher proportions of uninsured residents below the poverty level, more rental housing, and more schools and pharmacies. In interaction models, dispensaries were most prevalent in areas with both high uninsured rates and no pharmacies, suggesting cannabis retailers may capitalize on communities with limited healthcare access.
Why it matters
Oklahoma has one of the most permissive medical cannabis programs in the US. Understanding where dispensaries cluster reveals whether the industry serves communities equitably or exploits health access gaps.
The numbers in context
1,046 census tracts; 42.35% of tracts with dispensaries were rural; higher percent uninsured, percent rental housing, and number of schools positively associated with dispensary count; number of hospitals negatively associated
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis of cannabis dispensary locations across 1,046 Oklahoma census tracts. Compared demographic and neighborhood characteristics of tracts with and without dispensaries. Fully adjusted models and interaction models assessed associations with dispensary density.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional data cannot determine whether dispensaries caused changes in healthcare utilization. Census tract-level analysis may miss within-tract variation. Oklahoma-specific findings may not generalize to other states. Market forces beyond healthcare access also drive dispensary locations.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive census tract-level analysis with fully adjusted models, though cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions.
When this study was published
Published 2023
The bigger picture
When dispensaries cluster in underserved communities, residents may turn to cannabis as a de facto healthcare option, potentially masking unmet medical needs that require traditional healthcare solutions.
Questions still open
- Do residents in dispensary-dense, healthcare-scarce areas use cannabis as a substitute for medical care? Would increasing healthcare access in these areas reduce medical cannabis demand?
Common questions
Where are cannabis dispensaries located relative to healthcare?
Are dispensaries in rural areas?
Read the original research
Population and Neighborhood Correlates of Cannabis Dispensary Locations in Oklahoma.
Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 6(1), 99-113
Citation
Cohn, Amy M; Sedani, Ami; Niznik, Taylor; Alexander, Adam; Lowery, Bryce; McQuoid, Julia; Campbell, Janis. (2023). Population and Neighborhood Correlates of Cannabis Dispensary Locations in Oklahoma.. Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 6(1), 99-113. https://doi.org/10.26828/cannabis/2023.01.008