Among 604 young adults in Los Angeles, living near more cannabis outlets was not associated with use intentions overall, but racial/ethnic subgroup analyses revealed that White young adults living near more recreational retailers had stronger intentions to co-use cannabis with tobacco.
Cannabis zoning policymakers, health disparity researchers, youth substance use prevention specialists
Outlet density effects on use intentions varied significantly by race/ethnicity
What the researchers found
While outlet density showed no overall association with use intentions, stratified analyses revealed that White young adults near more recreational retailers had stronger co-use intentions, while Hispanic young adults near more medical dispensaries had lower e-cigarette use intentions.
Why it matters
The finding that cannabis outlet density affects use intentions differently across racial/ethnic groups suggests that one-size-fits-all prevention strategies may miss important subgroup-specific risks.
The numbers in context
604 young adults; mean age 20.9; Los Angeles County post-legalization; density within 5 miles measured; no overall significant association; White young adults: more RCRs associated with stronger co-use intentions; Hispanic young adults: more MCDs associated with lower e-cigarette intentions.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional survey of 604 young adults aged 18-23 in Los Angeles County (2018), with outlet density measured as number of medical dispensaries, recreational retailers, and all outlets within 5 miles of respondents' homes.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design; self-reported intentions may not predict actual behavior; limited to one metropolitan area; racial/ethnic categories are broad.
How to read the evidence
Cross-sectional survey with adequate sample and geographic data, limited to one metro area and self-reported intentions.
When this study was published
Survey conducted in 2018 after California recreational cannabis legalization.
The bigger picture
As cannabis retail environments expand, understanding how proximity to different types of outlets affects different communities can inform equitable zoning and prevention policies.
Questions still open
- Do these intention differences translate to actual use differences? Would limiting outlet density in certain neighborhoods reduce cannabis initiation among young adults?
Common questions
Does living near a cannabis shop make you more likely to use?
Did all racial groups respond the same way?
Read the original research
Density of medical and recreational cannabis outlets: racial/ethnic differences in the associations with young adult intentions to use cannabis, e-cigarettes, and cannabis mixed with tobacco/nicotine.
Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 28
Citation
Shih, Regina A; Tucker, Joan S; Pedersen, Eric R; Seelam, Rachana; Dunbar, Michael S; Kofner, Aaron; Firth, Caislin; D'Amico, Elizabeth J. (2021). Density of medical and recreational cannabis outlets: racial/ethnic differences in the associations with young adult intentions to use cannabis, e-cigarettes, and cannabis mixed with tobacco/nicotine.. Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00084-y