Significant regional differences exist in cannabis use and cannabis use disorder among US veterans, with certain regions showing substantially higher rates — highlighting the need for geographically tailored screening and treatment programs.
VA healthcare administrators, veteran health researchers, military substance use counselors, and policy makers planning resource allocation.
What the researchers found
Among 2,441 veterans, 11.6% reported cannabis use and 2.9% screened positive for probable CUD, with significant regional variation across 9 US Census regions (χ²=73.33, p<0.001), revealing geographic hotspots requiring targeted intervention.
Why it matters
VA healthcare systems serving veterans in high-prevalence regions need to prioritize cannabis screening and CUD treatment resources, while lower-prevalence regions may have different intervention needs.
The numbers in context
N=2,441 veterans; 85.5% no use; 11.6% cannabis use; 2.9% probable CUD; significant variation across 9 Census regions (p<0.001)
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis of the 2022 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (N=2,441), a nationally representative sample, examining cannabis use and probable CUD across 9 US Census Bureau-defined regions using weighted chi-square tests.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional snapshot; self-report may underestimate use; 2022 data predates some state legalization changes; veteran population may differ from general population; regional groupings may mask within-region variation.
How to read the evidence
Nationally representative veteran sample with validated measures, though cross-sectional design and self-report limit depth of regional analysis.
When this study was published
Published 2026; 2022 survey data.
The bigger picture
Regional variation in veteran cannabis use likely reflects both state legalization status and local cultural factors, suggesting that national VA policies need regional adaptation.
Questions still open
- How much of the regional variation is explained by state legalization status? Do VA treatment resources match regional need? Would standardized VA screening reduce regional disparities in CUD detection?
Common questions
How common is cannabis use among veterans?
Should VA clinics screen for cannabis use?
Read the original research
Geographic Differences in Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder in the US Veteran Population.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 87(1)
Citation
Joseph Denk, Annie-Lori; True, Sarah B; Hill, Melanie L; Fischer, Ian C; Na, Peter Jongho; Pietrzak, Robert H. (2026). Geographic Differences in Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder in the US Veteran Population.. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 87(1). https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.25m16141
Explore the wider topic
- Physical vs Psychological Cannabis Dependence: What Science Actually Shows
- The Gap Between Cannabis Perception and Science: Why What We Believe Outpaces What We Know
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Am I Addicted? Self-Assessment Guide
- Cross-Addiction After Quitting Weed: When One Habit Replaces Another
- Is Weed Addictive? What the Research Actually Shows
- Is Cannabis Addictive? What the DSM-5 and Brain Science Say
- Quitting Weed and Alcohol Together: What to Know About Dual Cessation
- Is Rehab Necessary for Weed? An Honest Assessment
- Signs You May Have Cannabis Use Disorder: An Honest Self-Assessment
- Weed Vape Pen Addiction: Why Vaping Makes It Harder to Quit
- Cannabis and the Military: Rules, Testing, and Career Consequences