Veteran Cannabis Use Varies Dramatically by US Region
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Nationally representative veteran sample with validated measures, though cross-sectional design and self-report limit depth of regional analysis.
- Study Age:
- Published 2026; 2022 survey data.
- Original Title:
- Geographic Differences in Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder in the US Veteran Population.
- Published In:
- The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 87(1) (2026)
- Authors:
- Joseph Denk, Annie-Lori, True, Sarah B, Hill, Melanie L(7), Fischer, Ian C, Na, Peter Jongho, Pietrzak, Robert H
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08369
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
How common is cannabis use among veterans?
About 11.6% of US veterans report cannabis use and 2.9% screen positive for cannabis use disorder, but rates vary significantly by region — with some areas showing much higher prevalence.
Should VA clinics screen for cannabis use?
This study supports routine screening, especially in higher-prevalence regions, given that nearly 3% of veterans may have cannabis use disorder — a rate likely to grow as more states legalize.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08369APA
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
MLA
Joseph Denk, Annie-Lori, et al. "Geographic Differences in Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder in the US Veteran Population.." The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 2026. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.25m16141
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Geographic Differences in Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Diso..." RTHC-08369. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/joseph-2026-geographic-differences-in-cannabis
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.