Young adults with cannabis-using parents were 2.9 times more likely to use cannabis themselves, and becoming a parent only reduced use among those without cannabis-using parents.
Parents; prevention researchers; family health professionals
2.9x higher odds of cannabis use among young adults with cannabis-using parents
What the researchers found
Having cannabis-using parents (aOR = 2.90) and having children (aOR = 1.37) were both independently associated with past-month cannabis use. Becoming a parent was protective only among those without cannabis-using parents.
Why it matters
If parental cannabis use normalizes the behavior so strongly that becoming a parent does not reduce use, interventions may need to target family-level norms.
The numbers in context
Cannabis-using parents: aOR = 2.90 (95% CI: 2.42-3.47). Having children: aOR = 1.37 (95% CI: 1.12-1.67).
How the study worked
Survey of 4,031 US young adults (mean age 26.29). Multivariable logistic regression examined parental cannabis use, having children, sociodemographics, psychosocial factors, and state legalization.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Sample designed to oversample cannabis users (48.8%).
How to read the evidence
Large cross-sectional survey with robust statistical modeling; moderate because of sample design and cross-sectional limitations.
When this study was published
2025 publication using 2023 survey data
The bigger picture
As cannabis becomes more normalized across generations, the protective effect of parenthood on substance use may weaken.
Questions still open
- Is intergenerational transmission driven by genetics, shared environment, modeling, or normalized attitudes?
Common questions
Does having cannabis-using parents mean someone will definitely use cannabis?
Why did becoming a parent not reduce cannabis use in some groups?
Read the original research
Indicators of Intergenerational Transmission of Cannabis Use Among US Young Adults.
Substance use & addiction journal, 46(4), 960-971
Citation
Cui, Yuxian; Wang, Yan; LoParco, Cassidy R; Romm, Katelyn F; Cavazos-Rehg, Patricia A; Chakraborty, Rishika; McCready, Darcey M; Yang, Y Tony; Berg, Carla J. (2025). Indicators of Intergenerational Transmission of Cannabis Use Among US Young Adults.. Substance use & addiction journal, 46(4), 960-971. https://doi.org/10.1177/29767342251337212
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