What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in American journal of public health on August 27, 2026.

Intersecting identities shape cannabis use and health care gaps

Q: What did this research study find?

Among Hispanic/Latino SGM adults, past-30-day *cannabis use* was higher than among their non-SGM counterparts, with an **adjusted risk ratio of 1.88**.

Intersectional Disparities in Adult Cigarette Smoking, E-Cigarette Use, and Cannabis Use Among Sexual and Gender and Racial and Ethnic Minorities in California.

American journal of public health • August 27, 2026 • Relevant

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AI Summary

This study examined how overlapping identities—sexual orientation, gender, race, and ethnicity—relate to cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, cannabis use, and experiences with health care among 45,916 California adults. Researchers analyzed pooled 2021–2022 survey data and used Poisson regression models to assess differences between sexual and gender minority (SGM) and non-SGM groups across racial and ethnic populations.

The findings indicate that non-Hispanic White SGM adults had higher risks of cigarette, e-cigarette, cannabis, and combined use. Hispanic/Latino SGM adults had a higher risk of past-30-day cannabis use than their non-SGM counterparts (adjusted risk ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.51–2.33), while non-Hispanic Black SGM adults had a substantially higher risk of heavy smoking (adjusted risk ratio 4.78, 95% CI 2.34–9.74). Intersectional minority groups were also more likely to report discrimination in health care. The authors conclude that tailored interventions and more equitable health care are needed; because this was an observational survey analysis, it shows associations rather than proof that identity causes cannabis or tobacco use.

💡 Key Findings

Among Hispanic/Latino SGM adults, past-30-day cannabis use was higher than among their non-SGM counterparts, with an adjusted risk ratio of 1.88.

Good

75%

Non-Hispanic White SGM adults had increased risks of cigarette, e-cigarette, cannabis use, and combined use compared with relevant non-SGM groups.

Good

70%

Non-Hispanic Black SGM adults had a substantially higher risk of heavy smoking, with an adjusted risk ratio of 4.78 compared with non-SGM counterparts.

Good

75%

Intersectional racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minority groups were more likely to report discrimination in health care, supporting the need for tailored interventions.

Good

70%

📄 Original Abstract

Objectives. To examine how intersecting identities of sexual orientation, gender, race, and ethnicity are associated with cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, cannabis use, tobacco quit attempts, and perceptions of health care among adults in California. Methods. We analyzed the pooled 2021-2022 California Health Interview Survey data (n = 45 916). Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) were identified as a sexual minority (bisexual, lesbian, gay) or transgender. Using Poisson regression models with interaction terms between SGM and race and ethnicity, we examined intersectional associations with the outcomes. Results. Non-Hispanic White SGM adults had an increased risk of cigarette, e-cigarette, and cannabis use and co-use. Hispanic/Latino SGM adults (adjusted risk ratio [ARR] past-30-day cannabis use = 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.51, 2.33) and non-Hispanic Black SGM adults (ARR heavy smoking = 4.78; 95% CI = 2.34, 9.74) had a much higher risk of use behaviors compared with their non-SGM counterparts. Intersectional minorities were more likely to report perceived discrimination in health care. Conclusions. Intersectional identities influence tobacco, e-cigarette, and cannabis use and health care experiences. Tailored interventions are needed to reduce disparities and improve health care access in intersectional racial and ethnic and SGM minoritized populations. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print August 27, 2026:e1-e12. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308633).

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: American journal of public health
Published: August 27, 2026
PMID: 42659581
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2026.308633

Authors (2)

Amy Yunyu Chiang Amy Chiang is with the Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Maya Vijayaraghavan is with the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.
Maya Vijayaraghavan Amy Chiang is with the Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Maya Vijayaraghavan is with the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.