Among cannabis users in California, 44% of 26-33 year olds were vaccinated against COVID-19 vs 72% of 18-21 year olds, with Black race, lack of insurance, and medicinal cannabis use predicting lower vaccination in the older group.
Read this if you are interested in how substance use patterns intersect with public health behaviors like vaccination.
44.4% vs 71.8%COVID-19 vaccination rates in older vs younger cannabis user cohorts in California
What the researchers found
In two cohorts of California cannabis users surveyed in early-mid 2021, vaccination rates differed dramatically by age: 71.8% of the younger cohort (18-21) were vaccinated compared to only 44.4% of the older cohort (26-33). In the older group, non-Hispanic Black/African American identity, lack of health insurance, and medicinal (vs recreational) orientation toward cannabis use were negatively associated with vaccination. Both cohorts cited similar reasons for hesitancy: concerns about development speed, side effects, natural immunity, and distrust of vaccines.
Why it matters
Cannabis users represent a population that may be harder to reach with public health messaging. Understanding which subgroups are most vaccine-hesitant can help target outreach efforts.
The numbers in context
- Younger cohort (18-21): 71.8% vaccinated
- Older cohort (26-33): 44.4% vaccinated
- Survey period: March-August 2021
- Negative predictors in older cohort: Black race, no insurance, medicinal cannabis orientation
- Top hesitancy reasons: development speed, side effects, natural immunity, distrust
How the study worked
Cross-sectional survey of two age cohorts of cannabis users recruited in California. Logistic regression for vaccination predictors. Descriptive analysis of vaccine attitudes.
Who was studied
Two cohorts of cannabis users in California: 18-21 year olds and 26-33 year olds
What this study cannot tell us
Convenience sample of California cannabis users, not generalizable. Self-reported vaccination status. Survey conducted during active vaccine rollout, so rates were still changing. Cannot separate cannabis-specific factors from general demographic patterns.
How to read the evidence
Cross-sectional convenience sample survey. Provides descriptive data on vaccination patterns but limited generalizability.
When this study was published
Published in 2023 using 2021 survey data. Captures a specific moment in the pandemic vaccination rollout.
The bigger picture
COVID-19 vaccination patterns revealed deep disparities across demographic and behavioral groups. Understanding these patterns in cannabis users adds to the broader picture of health behaviors in populations that may distrust conventional medical systems.
Questions still open
- Why were older cannabis users less vaccinated than younger ones?
- Does medicinal cannabis orientation reflect broader distrust of conventional medicine?
- Would targeted outreach through cannabis dispensaries improve vaccination rates?
Read the original research
COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Attitudes Within Two Cohorts of Younger Adult Cannabis Users.
Journal of drug issues, 53(3), 422-430
Citation
Fedorova, Ekaterina V; Wong, Carolyn F; Conn, Bridgid M; Ataiants, Janna; Lankenau, Stephen E. (2023). COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Attitudes Within Two Cohorts of Younger Adult Cannabis Users.. Journal of drug issues, 53(3), 422-430. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220426221131488