Among 173 Arab American college students, stronger ethnic identity and religiosity were associated with lower odds and frequency of cannabis use, with stronger effects among those from Muslim upbringings.
Cultural identity researchers, university substance use prevention programs, counselors serving Arab American students.
Religiosity: 56% lower cannabis use odds
What the researchers found
Greater ethnic identity affirmation was linked to less frequent cannabis use (OR 0.58, p=0.030), while greater ethnic identity search was linked to lower odds of any cannabis use (OR 0.68, p=0.025). Higher religiosity was associated with both lower odds and frequency of cannabis use (OR 0.44, p=0.005), with significantly stronger associations among those from Muslim upbringings.
Why it matters
Cultural and religious factors are underexplored protective mechanisms against substance use. This study shows that ethnic identity and religiosity can buffer cannabis use risk in Arab American students, suggesting culturally tailored prevention could be more effective than generic approaches.
The numbers in context
173 students. Mean age 20.1. 60.7% female. Ethnic affirmation and cannabis: OR 0.58 (p=0.030). Ethnic search and cannabis odds: OR 0.68 (p=0.025). Religiosity and cannabis: OR 0.44 (p=0.005). Muslim upbringing showed stronger religiosity effects.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional study of 173 Arab American college students (mean age 20.1, 60.7% female, 44.5% Christian and 43.9% Muslim upbringing) recruited from a California university. Ethnic identity affirmation and search, religiosity, and past-year alcohol and cannabis use were self-reported.
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample from a single California university. Cross-sectional design. Self-reported substance use during COVID-19 pandemic may not reflect typical patterns. Cannot determine causation. Limited to Arab American students; results may not generalize to other populations.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: small cross-sectional study from a single university, though consistent findings across multiple measures strengthen the findings.
When this study was published
2025 study
The bigger picture
Substance use prevention rarely accounts for cultural identity as a protective factor. This study suggests that programs supporting ethnic identity development and cultural connection could reduce substance use risk, an approach that empowers communities rather than stigmatizing them.
Questions still open
- Would interventions that strengthen ethnic identity reduce cannabis use? Do similar cultural protective factors exist in other ethnic communities? Does the protective effect of religiosity persist as students age beyond college?
Common questions
Does cultural identity protect against cannabis use?
Was the effect different for Muslim vs Christian students?
Read the original research
Ethnic identity and religiosity are related to lower alcohol use and cannabis use in Arab American college students.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 51(6), 814-825
Citation
Rahal, Danny; Waldron, Katja. (2025). Ethnic identity and religiosity are related to lower alcohol use and cannabis use in Arab American college students.. The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 51(6), 814-825. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2025.2571148
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