A study of 11,569 adults found that higher dispensary density within 3 miles of home was associated with more frequent cannabis use among existing users, but not with whether someone used cannabis at all.
Local policymakers, zoning officials, cannabis regulators, and public health planners.
What the researchers found
Greater dispensary density within a 3-mile buffer was associated with higher frequency of use among current cannabis users (p<0.01) but not with past-year cannabis use prevalence. The association was stronger for recreational dispensaries than medical dispensaries. Dispensary proximity (distance to nearest) was not significantly associated with use patterns.
Why it matters
Communities debate dispensary placement, often fearing it will increase cannabis initiation. This study suggests dispensaries may intensify use among existing users rather than creating new users, which has different policy implications.
The numbers in context
11,569 adults; 3-mile buffer most significant; density associated with frequency (p<0.01); no association with prevalence; recreational dispensaries had stronger effect.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis linking geocoded residential addresses of 11,569 adults from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study to state dispensary databases. GIS-based dispensary density and proximity measures within 1, 3, and 5-mile buffers.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional — people who use more cannabis may choose to live near dispensaries. PATH data may not capture all use. Dispensary databases may be incomplete. Cannot distinguish between dispensary access and neighborhood characteristics.
How to read the evidence
Large nationally representative sample with GIS-based exposure measurement, but cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
When this study was published
2025 study using PATH survey data linked to dispensary geocoding.
The bigger picture
Dispensary zoning is one of the most contentious local cannabis policy decisions. This evidence that density affects frequency but not initiation suggests a more nuanced approach than simply limiting dispensary numbers may be appropriate.
Questions still open
- Does dispensary density affect problematic use or CUD rates?
- Would capping dispensary density reduce use frequency without limiting access?
Common questions
Do dispensaries increase cannabis use in a neighborhood?
Does it matter how close a dispensary is?
Read the original research
Measuring the Association Between Cannabis Dispensary Density and Adult Consumption in a Statewide Setting: Does Urbanicity Matter?
Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 8(2), 18-32
Citation
Trangenstein, Pamela J; Greenfield, Thomas K; Patterson, Deidre M; Kerr, William C. (2025). Measuring the Association Between Cannabis Dispensary Density and Adult Consumption in a Statewide Setting: Does Urbanicity Matter?. Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.), 8(2), 18-32. https://doi.org/10.26828/cannabis/2025/000235