Abstract

Proximity to cannabis retailers and recent cannabis use among a diverse sample of California adolescents

Tahsin Rahman, MPH, Larisa Albers, MPH, Christopher Rogers, PhD, MPH, Jane Steinberg, PhD, MPH, Robert Vos, PhD, Daniel Soto, MPH, Ryan Lee, Jennifer Unger, PhD University of Southern California

APHA 2022 Annual Meeting and Expo

Background: Cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized in 20 U.S. states, and the number of medical and adult use (also known as recreational) cannabis retailers has increased significantly in the past decade. Exposure to cannabis retailers could increase cannabis use among adolescents. Few studies have examined the impact of proximity to cannabis retailers on adolescent cannabis use, and those that have indicate mixed results.
Methods: This study examined associations between proximity to cannabis retailers and past 30-day cannabis use. Data were from Project Cal Teens, a statewide survey of California adolescents regarding cannabis-related opinions, beliefs, and behaviors (N=1406, mean age=15.5 years, 53% male, 35% Hispanic/Latinx, 33% white, 15% Asian/Pacific Islander, 12% other/multiracial, 6% African American). Participants were recruited via schools and social media and completed online surveys.
Results: For every additional 5 miles of driving from participants’ homes to the nearest cannabis retail facility, there was a 4.5% decrease in the likelihood of past 30-day cannabis use [IRR: 0.955; 95% CI: 0.913-0.999]. For every additional 5 miles a student lived from a licensed retail facility, there was a 5.7% decrease in the likelihood of past 30-day cannabis use [IRR: 0.943; 95% CI: 0.897-0.992]. Proximity to unlicensed retailers was not significantly associated with past-month cannabis use. Interaction analyses indicating significant differences across racial/ethnic groups will be discussed.
Conclusions: As the number of cannabis retailers increases with the continued legalization of recreational cannabis use, it is crucial to understand the effects on cannabis perceptions, beliefs, and usage among adolescents and young people across the U.S. Results have policy implications including limits on the number of cannabis retailers, support for the enforcement of laws against cannabis sales to minors in retail stores and limiting outdoor advertising at retail locations.