What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in Journal of American college health : J of ACH on January 28, 2026.

Addiction

Substance use and food challenges facing transgender college students

Q: What did this research study find?

**TGD students had 1.58 times higher odds of cannabis use** compared to cisgender peers

Prevalence of substance use and food insecurity among transgender and gender diverse college students.

Journal of American college health : J of ACH • January 28, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

🤖

AI Summary

A recent large-scale study examining 102,802 undergraduate students reveals significant disparities in substance use and food insecurity among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) college students. The research highlights that TGD students are at higher risk for substance use compared to their cisgender peers, with notably increased rates of cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogen, and prescription stimulant consumption.

The study found statistically significant differences in substance use patterns, with TGD students experiencing higher odds of using various substances. Specifically, the likelihood of cannabis use was 1.58 times higher compared to cisgender students. Moreover, TGD students reported more substantial problems related to their substance use, indicating potential underlying challenges with mental health, social support, and personal well-being.

Beyond substance use, the research uncovered a critically important finding of increased food insecurity among TGD college students. These interconnected challenges underscore the need for targeted support programs that address the unique experiences and vulnerabilities of transgender and gender diverse young adults in educational settings.

💡 Key Findings

TGD students had 1.58 times higher odds of cannabis use compared to cisgender peers

High

85%

Higher proportion of substance-related problems reported by TGD students across multiple drug categories

Good

75%

Significant prevalence of food insecurity among transgender and gender diverse college students

High

80%

📄 Original Abstract

To determine the prevalence of food insecurity and substance use among U.S. transgender and gender diverse (TGD) college students in comparison with cisgender counterparts. Secondary data from 102,802 undergraduates responding to the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 American College Health Association's National College Health Assessments was used. The five most commonly used substances on college campuses including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, and prescription stimulants were selected for the analyses of substance use. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between substance use and food insecurity, and gender identification. After controlling for confounding factors, TGD students had significantly higher odds of using hallucinogens, cannabis, prescription stimulants, and cocaine (OR = 1.87, 1.58, 1.32, and 1.24, respectively) compared to cisgender peers, and a significantly higher proportion of cannabis, cocaine, and hallucinogen users in TGD students reported consequent problems caused by their substance use (p < .001). Lastly, a significantly higher prevalence of food insecurity was found in TGD students after controlling for the covariates (p < .05). Our findings suggest the need for effective prevention programs and treatment strategies that are specific to TGD college students for addressing the disparities in substance use and food insecurity.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Journal of American college health : J of ACH
Published: January 28, 2026
PMID: 41604678
DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2025.2611280

Authors (7)

Tyler Kane School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
Ho Han School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
Seunghwan Lee Department of Sport Industry & Leisure, Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea.
Elysia Grant School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
Darcy Jones McMaughan School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
+2 more authors