How discrimination shapes young minds' views on cannabis risk

This longitudinal study of 2,690 preteens aged 9-13 examined how experiences of racial and ethnic discrimination influence cannabis use intentions through a complex pathway involving perceived accessibility and harm. Using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, researchers found that preteens who experienced racial/ethnic discrimination were 68% more likely to report intentions to use cannabis. The study revealed a concerning chain reaction: discrimination experiences led to increased perceptions of cannabis accessibility, which in turn reduced perceived harm, ultimately increasing intention to use.

The research uncovered a specific mediation pathway showing that preteens experiencing discrimination were 13.4% more likely to perceive cannabis as accessible, which then decreased their perception of harm by 12.3%, subsequently raising their cannabis use intentions by 8.5%. This suggests that discrimination-related trauma may fundamentally alter how young people view cannabis risk and availability. The findings highlight an important intersection between social determinants of health, racial equity, and substance use prevention, emphasizing that addressing discrimination and trauma in minority youth populations should be a critical component of cannabis prevention strategies aimed at preteens and adolescents.