US adults with disabilities had higher cannabis vaping rates (4.6%) than those without (2.8%), with cognitive disability showing the highest prevalence at 8.2%, and daily nicotine vaping being the strongest correlate.
Disability health researchers, public health advocates, clinicians serving disability populations.
8.2% of US adults with cognitive disabilities vaped cannabis, nearly 3x the general rate
What the researchers found
Cannabis vaping prevalence was higher among adults with any disability (4.6%) than without (2.8%). Adults with cognitive disabilities had the highest rate at 8.2%. Daily nicotine vaping (AOR=6.04), former smoking (AOR=1.67), and young age 18-24 vs 65+ (AOR=11.07) were the strongest correlates of cannabis vaping among adults with disabilities.
Why it matters
People with disabilities are already known to use cannabis at higher rates, but this study reveals that novel delivery methods (vaping) follow the same pattern, with particularly high rates among those with cognitive disabilities who may be most vulnerable to substance-related harms.
The numbers in context
Cannabis vaping: 4.6% with disability vs 2.8% without; 8.2% cognitive disability; daily nicotine vaping AOR=6.04; former smoking AOR=1.67; age 18-24 AOR=11.07; cannabis vapers had 1.28x more cannabis-use days.
How the study worked
Analysis of 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data examining associations between disability types and past-month cannabis vaping among US adults, using weighted multivariable logistic and modified Poisson regression models.
What this study cannot tell us
BRFSS data is self-reported and telephone-based, potentially missing vulnerable populations. Cross-sectional design. Cannot determine why people with disabilities vape cannabis (recreational vs. medical). Disability categories may overlap.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: Large nationally representative BRFSS dataset with disability-stratified analysis, though self-reported data and cross-sectional design limit causal conclusions.
When this study was published
Published in 2025 using 2022 BRFSS data.
The bigger picture
This study highlights cannabis vaping as an emerging equity issue. People with disabilities may face unique barriers to cessation and may use cannabis for symptom management without medical guidance, particularly through vaping which carries its own health risks.
Questions still open
- Are people with disabilities using cannabis vaping for symptom management? Would accessible, disability-specific cessation programs reduce rates? How does cannabis vaping interact with disability-related medications?
Common questions
Why do people with disabilities use cannabis more?
Why is the link to nicotine vaping so strong?
Read the original research
Cannabis Vaping Among US Adults With Disabilities: Findings From the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974), 140(2-3), 230-240
Citation
Olufemi, Erinoso; Olatokunbo, Osibogun; Wei, Li; Ben Taleb, Ziyad; Kalan, Mohammad Ebrahimi. (2025). Cannabis Vaping Among US Adults With Disabilities: Findings From the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.. Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974), 140(2-3), 230-240. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549241292447
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