More Sitting Time Was Linked to Lower Marijuana Use, With Differences Across Ethnic Groups | Research

The takeaway

A national survey found that US adults who sat for longer periods were less likely to report marijuana use, with the strongest pattern among Hispanic adults.

Researchers studying lifestyle factors associated with substance use patterns.

6-8 hours of daily sitting was linked to 22% lower odds of marijuana use

What the researchers found

Among 7,122 US adults, longer sitting time was associated with lower odds of marijuana use. The 6-8 hour sitting group had significantly lower odds (OR=0.78) compared to those sitting less than 4 hours. Among Hispanic subgroups, the 6-8 hour group showed a 48% lower risk of marijuana use.

Why it matters

While the link between sedentary behavior and health outcomes is well-studied, its relationship with substance use is less explored. These findings add a new dimension to understanding lifestyle patterns associated with marijuana use.

The numbers in context

7,122 participants from NHANES 2007-2012. 4-6 hours sitting: OR=0.91 (not significant). 6-8 hours: OR=0.78 (p=0.004). Hispanic subgroup 6-8 hours: 48% lower risk. >8 hours Hispanic subgroup: 40% reduction.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2007-2012 data on 7,122 US adults with complete health and lifestyle information. Logistic regression with interaction effects analysis examined sitting time categories (<4h, 4-6h, 6-8h, >8h) and marijuana use, controlling for confounders.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Self-reported sitting time and marijuana use may be inaccurate. Data is from 2007-2012 and may not reflect current patterns. The inverse relationship may be confounded by unmeasured factors like occupation type.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary: cross-sectional design with older data (2007-2012) that cannot establish causation, and the relationship likely reflects confounding lifestyle factors.

When this study was published

2025 study using NHANES 2007-2012 data.

The bigger picture

This likely reflects lifestyle differences rather than a causal relationship between sitting and marijuana use. People with more sedentary occupations or routines may have different social environments and substance use patterns.

Questions still open

Is this relationship driven by occupational or recreational sitting? Do active marijuana users simply spend less time sedentary? Would this pattern hold with more recent data as marijuana laws have changed?

Common questions

Does sitting more actually prevent marijuana use?

Almost certainly not. This association likely reflects differences in lifestyle, occupation, and social environments rather than any protective effect of sedentary behavior.

Why was the pattern strongest among Hispanic adults?

The study identified ethnic variations but did not fully explain them. Cultural, occupational, and social factors specific to Hispanic communities may play a role.

Read the original research

Ethnic variations in sedentary behavior and marijuana use among U.S. adults: A cross-sectional analysis.

Medicine, 104(52), e46348

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Li, Yunzhe; Zhong, Lian; Zhou, Huasheng; Zeng, Fanghua; Huang, Wenbao; Rao, Junjie; Zhong, Hailong; Hu, Chaobin; Zou, Kang; Xie, Jiahui. (2025). Ethnic variations in sedentary behavior and marijuana use among U.S. adults: A cross-sectional analysis.. Medicine, 104(52), e46348. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000046348