What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Mental Health, Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in The American journal on addictions on July 1, 2026.

Rural young adults use cannabis more, perceive fewer risks

Rural-urban residence in relation to cannabis use influences and behaviors among a sample of US young adults reporting past-month cannabis use.

The American journal on addictions • July 1, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

This study examined how living in rural versus urban areas shapes cannabis use patterns and attitudes among 1,961 young adults (ages 18-34) in the United States who use cannabis regularly. The researchers found that rural young adults reported more frequent cannabis use and were more likely to drive under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) compared to their urban counterparts. Rural residents were also more likely to use cannabis as a coping mechanism for stress, and they perceived cannabis as less harmful than urban users—a perception that may contribute to their higher usage rates and risk-taking behaviors.

The study identified three key factors driving differences in rural cannabis use: greater coping motives (using cannabis to manage stress or emotional challenges), lower perceived harm, and higher rates of mental health diagnoses. Interestingly, while rural young adults used cannabis more frequently and drove under its influence more often, they reported fewer negative consequences from their use—possibly because they underestimated the risks. These findings suggest that rural young adults may be particularly vulnerable to problematic cannabis use patterns, especially if they lack access to mental health support or cannabis harm-reduction education.

The researchers emphasize that targeted interventions for rural communities should address mental health symptoms and challenge low risk perceptions, particularly regarding the dangers of driving under the influence. The findings highlight an important gap in cannabis education and mental health support in rural areas, where stigma and limited resources may prevent people from seeking help for both mental health conditions and substance use concerns.

📄 Original Abstract

Despite growing cannabis use rates among US rural-residing young adults, less research has examined associations of rural-urban residence with cannabis use influences (e.g., harm perceptions, peer use) or behaviors (e.g., use frequency, driving under the influence of cannabis [DUIC]). Using 2023 online survey data from 1961 US young adults (aged 18-34) reporting past-month cannabis use (Mage = 26.86 [standard deviation = 4.61], 14.7% rural-residing, 38.2% racial/ethnic minority, 59.2% female), multivariable regressions controlling for sociodemographics and state non-medical cannabis legalization examined associations of (1) rural-urban residence with cannabis use influences (motives, perceptions, mental/physical health, parent/peer use, advertising exposure); and (2) rural-urban residence and use influences with use behaviors (past-month days of use, past 6-month DUIC, consequences). Rural (vs. urban) residence was associated with three use influences (i.e., greater coping motives, lower perceived harm of cannabis use, higher odds of a mental health diagnosis), more frequent cannabis use and DUIC, but fewer use consequences. All three influences were associated with more frequent use and having a mental health diagnosis was associated with more frequent DUIC. Greater coping motives and lower harm perceptions were associated with fewer consequences, and having a mental health diagnosis was associated with greater consequences. Rural (vs. urban) young adults reported more frequent cannabis use and DUIC, which may be associated with low cannabis-related harm perceptions and using cannabis to cope with stress/mental health symptoms. Interventions targeting rural young adults that address mental health symptoms and risk perceptions, including DUIC-related risks, may be needed.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: The American journal on addictions
Published: July 1, 2026
PMID: 42387866
DOI: 10.1111/ajad.70185

Authors (4)

Katelyn F Romm TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Campus, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Amanda Y Kong Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
Patricia A Cavazos-Rehg Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Carla J Berg Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.