What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Anxiety.

Where was this research published?

Published in Addictive behaviors on February 7, 2026.

Exploring Cannabis Use Patterns Among Young Parents

Q: What did this research study find?

A recent study examined *cannabis use patterns* among young adult parents in the United States, revealing complex relationships between sociodemographic factors, mental health, and marijuana consumption. **Researchers analyzed survey data from 1,247 parents**, identifying four distinct sociodemograp

Parental sociodemographic profiles in relation to mental health, cannabis use motives, and cannabis use behaviors among a sample of US young adult parents.

Addictive behaviors • February 7, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

A recent study examined cannabis use patterns among young adult parents in the United States, revealing complex relationships between sociodemographic factors, mental health, and marijuana consumption. Researchers analyzed survey data from 1,247 parents, identifying four distinct sociodemographic classes that differ significantly in their cannabis use behaviors and motivations.

The study found that certain parent groups were more likely to use cannabis, particularly younger single or cohabitating females and those experiencing higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Coping motives emerged as a critical factor, with participants using cannabis as a way to manage emotional challenges. Notably, parents in the study reported varied use frequencies and motivations, ranging from occasional use to more frequent consumption.

Importantly, the research highlighted potential public health concerns, especially regarding cannabis use consequences and driving under the influence. The findings suggest a need for targeted support and alternative coping resources for parents experiencing mental health challenges. The study provides crucial insights into the complex landscape of parental cannabis use, emphasizing the importance of understanding the diverse factors that influence marijuana consumption among parents.

📄 Original Abstract

Although past-month cannabis use has increased among US parents, little work has identified factors associated with parental use. We analyzed 2023 survey data from 1,247 US young adult parents. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified sociodemographic profiles of age, number of children, education, marital status, employment, and sex. Multivariable regressions examined associations between class, depressive/anxiety symptoms, and past-month cannabis use among all participants; and class, depressive/anxiety symptoms, cannabis use motives, use frequency, consequences, and driving under the influence (DUI) of cannabis among those reporting past-month use. LCA identified 4 classes: Class 1 ('older married males with ≥ Bachelor's degree, full-time employment, 1-2 children', 18.4%); Class 2 ('younger single/cohabitating females with < Bachelor's degree, 1-2 children', 37.9%); Class 3 ('older married females with 1-3+ children', 30.3%); and Class 4 ('older single/cohabitating females with < Bachelor's degree, 3+ children' 13.3%). Among all parents, Class 2 and 4 (vs. 1) displayed higher odds of cannabis use; Class 2 displayed higher odds of depressive/anxiety symptoms, which were associated with past-month use. Among those reporting past-month use; Class 2 and 3 (vs. 1) displayed more frequent use and greater coping motives; coping motives were associated with more frequent use. Class 1 displayed greatest risk of use consequences and DUI of cannabis. Findings provide preliminary insights into parents most likely to use cannabis and experience consequences, highlighting the need for public health prevention/interventions that provide these parents with alternative coping resources.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Addictive behaviors
Published: February 7, 2026
PMID: 41679098
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2026.108635

Authors (7)

Katelyn F Romm TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. Electronic address: katelyn-romm@ou.edu.
Morgan Speer Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Darcey M McCready Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Shriya Thakkar Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Rishika Chakraborty Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
+2 more authors