Race- and Gender-Based Discrimination Were Linked to Worse Cannabis Use Outcomes in Young Adults

Race-based and gender-based discrimination, as well as experiencing multiple types of discrimination, were associated with worse cannabis use outcomes including more consequences, higher use disorder scores, and more solitary use. Interestingly, race-based discrimination was associated with fewer alcohol consequences and lower AUDIT scores. Sexual orientation-based discrimination was not significantly associated with substance use outcomes.

Cross-sectional analysis of 2,303 young adults (mean age 24.7) predominantly in southern California. Associations between perceived everyday discrimination experiences (race-, gender-, and sexual orientation-based) and self-reported alcohol and cannabis use outcomes were examined.

Discrimination is increasingly recognized as a social determinant of health, but its relationship with cannabis use specifically has been understudied. This study suggests that experiencing discrimination may drive people toward cannabis use as a coping mechanism, particularly through solitary use, which is a marker of more problematic consumption.

The finding that discrimination is linked to worse cannabis outcomes but better alcohol outcomes is intriguing. It suggests that individuals experiencing discrimination may shift their coping substance use toward cannabis rather than alcohol, possibly because cannabis can be used more privately. This has implications for how substance use prevention programs are designed for marginalized populations.

Cross-sectional design cannot establish whether discrimination leads to cannabis use or other causal pathways. Self-reported discrimination and substance use. Southern California sample may not generalize nationally. Cannot control for all potential confounders. Solitary use was self-reported.